The dust raised by the planned nationwide protest by pop legend, Tuface Idibia, is yet to settle as he has received, yet another backlash.
Recall that the music legend had announced that he would be leading a protest in ‘a call for good governance. .
After he was blasted by the presidency, among others, an initiative of Imperial Integrated Project, the National Career Fair, NCF, has taken a swipe at him, saying he has no right to go ahead with any protest.
According to the group, the singer, popularly called Tuface, has not proven himself a worthy Nigerian.
In an open letter signed by the NCF convener, Shogbamu Oluwaseun, the group reminded Tuface how he abandoned Nigeria and went all the way to Dubai just to have his wedding.
The NCF said if he were a true Nigeria, that event would have happened in Nigeria.
The letter reads in part: “…Another issue to analyze is Mr. Idibia’s contribution to the society. It is true that he initiated the VOTE NOT FIGHT campaign which was a great innovation, but its authenticity can also be questioned. Judging by Mr. Idibia’s precedent and his failure to contribute to youth development and job creation in Nigeria, we might be forced to say this ‘CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME’.
“Taking a sneak peek into what has been trending in the news recently, one would wonder how 2Baba has been quiet about the gory situation in his own state of origin – Benue state. Every day, a fisher man or farmer is reportedly killed by Fulani herds men and yet this was worth just a post from social media only by 2baba about.
“You might want to argue that this march is a national one so it covers it all, but don’t be quick to forget that one doesn’t wear P.O.P all over his or her body when only the arm is fractured.
“Benue state recently agreed a peace treaty with the neighboring state where allegedly the murderous Fulani herdsmen were coming from: yet not a single word was uttered about this by our ‘peace maker’ 2Baba.
“Let me take you back to the years when the Senate President was David Mark, both hail from the same state but the former was unpopular even in his own constituency. The then Senate President went on to open his own private university at a period of time when the federal institution BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY was shut down for months thus growing his unpopularity rapidly.
“At this time, we heard nothing from the African Queen Crooner who is most loved by the Benue people as this is portrayed by the massive turnouts of the Benue people for his Star Trek Concerts whenever he is headlined in Makurdi.
“Taking a look at his catalogue, you will be convinced that he has always been an activist. This time, the main question is- is he doing this for people because he feels their pains or just to score cheap publicity points in a process that sees him dropping a new record or body of work?
“IMPORTANT POINT HERE => How many artistes/talents within his FESTAC or Benue home has he signed to a record label or mentored to become a successful artiste? (Olamide, Wizkid, DonJazzy, Davido are worthy examples).
“Just two years ago, he staged a well-attended wedding ceremony in Dubai, contributing to the GDP of another country, ignoring our own local event planners, vendors and caterers. Unlike some other young successful entrepreneurs like Akin Alabi (CEO, Nairabet), Sijibomi Ogundele, Ifeanyi Uba, Toyin Lawani (CEO, Tiannah Empire) who are job creators and also inspires other youths towards positive inclinations, one can ask how much support Mr. Idibia has given to youth empowerment initiatives in our Nation.
“In March 2009, a march against power failure was organized, however it made no headway, as up till today we bask in darkness. My point here is based on the fact that the opposition party always uses this march as a tool to make the ruling government look weak (for example, it’s no news that the APC was behind the march against subsidy removal by President Jonathan in 2012.
“It is true that the ploy won’t be fruitful if the ruling government has performed at or above par; however, the motive behind these marches is always the main drive. Are we certain about our security during the march? Certainly, I might appear to you as a chicken right now, which is not willing to journey that walk of freedom. However, has the thought of being set up crossed anyone’s mind?
“What if the opposition wants a march to provoke the armed forces of the ruling government, thus causing casualties? Or worse still, the opposition plan with the armed forces to injure or kill innocent protesters and blame it on the presidency. Either ways, we (the masses) suffer.
“I seize this opportunity to employ our youths to refocus their energies and time towards self-discovery, skills & talent acquisition, and entrepreneurship development activities. I also implore youths and fellow Nigerians to emulate several career role models who have created their success stories amidst difficulties…”
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni has vowed to truncate the planned protest. .
