CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME: OPEN LETTER TO INNOCENT IDIBIA AKA 2BABA

I write this letter out of the goodness of heart and out of the urge to educate the Nigerian populace about a serious issue that is fast arising, thus using this medium to convey my conviction and exercise my civic duty.

Being the convener of arguably Nigeria’s most prominent intellectual youth gathering ‘THE NATIONAL CAREER FAIR’, I have, firsthand, been involved in the development of the Nigerian youth; a faction that constitutes over 50% of the entire country’s population. A few days ago, I stumbled on some information on the internet, precisely, a call to march, by Innocent Idibia AKA Tuface to publicly rebuke the inactions of our government towards our plights and sufferings. Oh! At last! Some action, was my first thought.

Personally, I have always been bewildered at the level as to which the Nigerian government has belittled us to. No water, no electricity, bad roads, poverty, inflation, lack of security and other vices, however, the most ridiculous parts are, on one hand, the unaccountability- the fact that they (government officials can do anything without accounting for their actions to the public), and on the other hand is the fact that they make it seem like they are doing us (the masses) a favor.  We in turn, ‘deitize ‘them when they eventually do as low as 5% of their constitutional obligation to us. Anyone can understand Mr.  Idibia’s conviction when he says

‘Say no to the executive, no to legislatures, no to judiciary…you have all failed us…

We the people are tired, we can no longer continue with all of you…’

In 2012, a march was led by top celebrities to stop the then president, Goodluck Jonathan from removing the subsidy, thus averting a fuel price hike. It worked like magic and the fuel price was reduced to a favorable rate for most people. While most people(including myself) do think the march will be a great idea and will affect change ( a word I’m most skeptical to use at the moment), I have other concerns as to the time which the call has been made, the caller of the march, and most importantly the true motif behind this march.

Like is mentioned earlier, I am writing this piece out of good will, and I honestly do not have the intention of smearing or chastising anyone’s image, however the truth must be told. Barely a month old after the Akinwunmi Ambode led Lagos State Government successfully executed its ONE LAGOS FIESTA with numerous artistes, entertainers and celebrities in attendance. Afterwards an artiste has risen up to say he wants to be given answers as to why we are suffering and he demands to know what the recovered money has been used for. I find this funny, not only because these artistes were paid millions of naira to perform at the ONE LAGOS FIESTA with tax payers’ money or looted funds, but also because this sudden call for ‘the march in LAGOS’ was not echoed long before now or more specifically before the ONE LAGOS FIESTA little wonder most entertainers are claiming unavailability or outright refusal to attend this march. . It is therefore a complete aberration for any artist to stage a protest in the same environment that has contributed immensely to growth of the entertainment industry (you cannot bit the hand that fed you).

Something that caught my attention was the fact that during Jonathan’s tenure, people were ready to march without reason and during the subsidy removal; the whole nation was down the previous president’s throat. On the other hand, when the subsidy was removed during this tenure, no one was willing to march. While we castigated the NLC for being unreasonable to the plight of the people when president Buhari assumed power and removed the subsidy from the fuel price. Why then has the need to arise and march come at a time when elections are fast approaching and the presidency seems weak become a top priority? Could it be ‘an eye for an eye?’

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 pain or just to score cheap publicity points in a process that sees him dropping a new record or body of work?

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 am not at liberty to use direct words here, but I came across some comments online which has cemented my belief that while the cause might be innocent, the actions might be blemished. Coincidentally, a certain brotherhood movement aligns with the keyword of the march, which can be tagged ‘freedom’. Although, this brotherhood preaches freedom and emancipation, it is a hard task to vouch for any member or even the organization, thus many of its members, including top celebrities have expressed their availability for the march in lingua that is attributed exclusively to this ‘group’. On the day of the said protest, Lagosians and other taxpayers will experience serious hardship in carrying out their day-to-day business activities. This is in addition to the risk of crime amidst the usual breakdown of law and order that characterizes such unorganized mammoth gatherings. The cons far outweigh the pros and the endeavor itself is an ill wind that will no doubt wreak havoc on a number of levels. Therefore the guarantee of a peaceful and safe march is not 100% assertive.

I use this medium to encourage true Nigerians to be wise in their dwellings, it is safe to say that the march is a gesture of true patriotism; however, one must be really careful as motive supersedes all. I encourage Nigerians to call for justice and accountability in all ways they deem fit, march, protest or empowerment. The most important thing is to be true in whichever way we wish to call for accountability.

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. In recession, new millionaires are made. This is the time for everyone to obey Nigeria’s call of conscience and hope in order to help rebuild our nation. We need more successful entrepreneurs, professionals and organization who will invest their money in other startups, volunteer to provide internship, work study and training opportunities to develop a skillful workforce.

GOD BLESS NIGERIA!!!

SIGNED

SHOGBAMU OLUWASEUN

CONVENER, NATIONAL CAREER FAIR.

@shogbams

20 COMMENTS

    • I don’t know your name. But u are very stupid for the stupid talk of charity begins at home. It is you that is been used by politicians to disway people’s mind concerning a good gesture from Tubaba. It is a peaceful protest demanding good governance WETIN COME CONCERN YOU political APC fool.

  1. If not now, when is the Right Time? If not US, who will protest for US? Like you said “Motives supercedes all” and Mr, yours is clear to see. Between your never heard of “National Career Fair” and Tuface Idibia’s person, which do you think has impacted more on the lives of Nigerians. #istandwith2baba on this, it’s a peaceful March for democracy, a peaceful March to register our displeasure and a peaceful March to shut the likes of you that have sold their conscience to the highest bidder. It’s a sacrifice we must make.

  2. Everyone is entitled to his or opinion. For me, this administration needs to be given more time considering the havoc or damages recorded on Nigerian economy during the past administration. Also the rate of insecurity in this country which has been brought under control bythe present administration should be considered before marking down the. PMH’s led APC administration. My advise to those agitating for demonstration should have a rethink.

  3. Everyone is entitled to his or opinion. For me, this administration needs to be given more time considering the havoc or damages recorded on Nigerian economy during the past administration. Also the rate of insecurity in this country which has been brought under control bythe present administration should be considered before marking down the. PMH’s led APC administration. My advise to those agitating for demonstration should have a rethink.

  4. The writer of this article is a “BIG FOOL”. It’s very obvious u r deriving more than enough 4rm PMB administration. If u don’t have something nice to write about, why don’t u keep ur big mouth shut! , u are entitle to ur opinion, no need sharing it and no need trying to talk out the masses 4rm having a “peaceful march”. If we dnt come out and speak, when shd we do dat?. For heaven sake, people are starving to death!!!. Some ppl can’t even afford a meal. The level of crime is on the increase already. If ppl lose their lives during the protest, @ least it worth it, in as much things get better. No food, bad roads, no electricity (yet we pay for wat we don’t use monthly),unemployment etc, yet u come online to write such a stupid article?, am disappointed in u. “National Career Fair” indeed, I’ve never heard of it b4, despite the fact am so vast. Where do u spring out 4rm? I wish I can rain curses on u and ur entire family and generations. Gosh!!! #istandwith2baba Feb 5th!

    • I understand the writers point which is given time to this administration as well as being conscious to the security and well being of the protesters. However I feel the present hardship, hunger and level of insecurity the people are facing is becoming more worrisome so therefore the protest is welcome development to put a chek on our public handlers and to remind them once again they are only accountable to their people but not their party members or their families.

  5. When will Nigerian youths believe in themselves to be agents of the so called Change that we most expected from PMB led administration? Someone from nowhere will just wake up from his slumber without having his teeth brushed and chose to condemn a good move to bringing the CHANGE we voted for. If 2Baba is been used by the Opposition Party as your write up insinuated then invariably you yourself is also a material for the ruling party. #IstandWith2Baba on this epoch march!

  6. Hello, Congratulations on a successful completion of your ‘ignorance test’. People fought and died for the democracy you are enjoying and the only way you think you can pay their grand children back is to STRONGLY SUPPORT BAD GOVERNMENT because of whatever you think you are benefiting from them. Please if you don’t have what to say, keep quiet! We have seen a lot like you. It is you who is looking for cheap popularity not 2face. I hope your Ghana must go is ready now, enjoy!

  7. Beautifully drafted, well thought if I may remind you, sacrifices must b made for goals to be achieved. APC created insecurity in Borno Maiduguri Metropolitan Council(MMC). The Chibok girls is a scam used by APC to get supporters through sympathy. Boko Haram a monster APC can no longer control. All we want is good governance, transparency and accountability irrespective of the Party or individual.

  8. Stupid write up from a stupid mind. I see why people like u do not progress beyonf your primary jurisdiction. When Tuface led the Fuel Subsidy Protest, he was a Saint. Now that he intends to lead a peaceful march, he has become a Villain! You said ‘Charity, begins at home’, please how many youths have you taken off the streets? Mr. Charity, lead by example and go get a life. Organizer of a 15 man protest.

  9. Thank you for displaying your ignorance and stupidity here!!

    How much did your pay master gave u to write this rubbish??

    Oh so sorry we know Better now cos we are wiser, we’ve forced to test two different govt and we know better one now!!

    I trust that are still giving u chicken change that’s why ur speaking all this fonie

    Aro Ko!!!