![[Video]: 2face insists planned protest will hold](https://thenewsguru.ng/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2face-live.png)
Despite pressures from the Nigerian Police force on 2face to postpone the anticipated planned protest,the soulful singer has said that the protest will hold on Monday 6th of February against all odds.
He took to his Instagram page to make the announcement via a video.In his words:”This is a pro-NIGERIA march. Pls guys lets do this peacefully and orderly. One love #istandwithnigeria”
Watch the video below
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQFRY-uDyRe/?taken-by=official2baba
Efe Omoregbe CEO Now Musik and talent manager to 2face stated that the police hasn’t banned 2face’s planned protest. Speaking in a recent interview, he said that the police is yet to inform them that the protest has been banned.
According to him:”We have reached out to them. We are having conversations with them. I am not sure the news making the rounds about the protest is true. The feedback from the police authorities is quite different from that. I am not sure about the source of the police story and how true it is. The police has not told us they are banning the protest. We are in talks with them. They have not communicated that to us either in words, written form or body language. Maybe you should reach out to the police authorities to clarify their stance but on behalf of the 2face foundation, we do not think that is true because that is not the feedback we have received. We do not think the police will be telling us one thing and will be telling the media something else .”
When asked if they have sought protest permit from the police, he said they have been in constant communication with them.
“We are actively engaging the police. Our protest is a controlled conversation. Our objectives are clear. 2baba is a peace ambassador. The 2face foundation’s primary focus is peace building and advocating for good governance. The protest is a citizens engagement. It is not an organized labor conversation. It is not pro or against anybody or religion. It is unrepresented” he added.
Speaking on Channels TV today,Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni said the constitution permits protest but also lays down the requirements for a protest.
In his words:” As at yesterday, they didn’t announce that it has been postponed. The constitution makes provision for a protest,but it also lays down some regulations. We just want to make sure there is no break down of law and order. “
When many disillusioned Nigerians were looking forward to Femi Kuti endorsing 2face’s planned protest, the Afrobeat musician has declared that he is not in support of the protest. He made this known in a chat with TheNetng. Femi revealed that 2face had come to him to seek for permission to able to use the Afrika Shrine for the protest preparations.
According to him:”I hear say they want to do protest here, they even choose the day Sunday, Sunday is my day.So I was thinking, 2face say some people come meet am say make he broadcast am, so no be him sit down for him house com plan am, I for no vex. Who be the people wey come meet you?”
Femi affirms that there is something suspicious about the planned protest and he doesn’t want them to ‘Scatter’ his venue because it’s ‘bubbling’
The 2face planned nationwide protest has garnered mixed reactions from various celebrities. While some see it as an opportunity to march against bad leadership, others see it as a propagandist agenda.
Award winning pop star, 2face Idibia is preparing to stage a protest on February 6th alongside concerned Nigerians. However, The Lagos State Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni on Wednesday declared that he will stop the purported protest. According to him, there hasn’t been an official request from the organizers of the protest notifying security agencies of their plan.
He further added that security reports says hoodlums are planning to hijack the protest. He stated that the police wasn’t ready for that kind of demonstration and as such would not allow it to hold.
In his words: “Information reaching us revealed that some hoodlums are planning to hijack the peaceful protest. And as such, we won’t allow it to hold in Lagos. We know that 2face do not have the capacity to contain such a crowd and we will not fold our hands and watch while things go out of hand.”
Owoseni said: “The Civil Society had said that they do not need police permission to carry out any peaceful protest, but they should also be aware that there might be those who share an opposing view. This set of persons may want to disrupt the peaceful demonstration and would want to attack demonstrators. This is why we advise individuals or group of persons who may wish to embark on civil demonstration to inform the police so that adequate security arrangement would be provided.”
Former PMAN President , Charles Oputa a.k.a Charly Boy has reacted to the 2face led planned protest. In an article titled :’The 2face March,‘the outspoken entertainer urged Nigerians to support the protest saying :”Our mumu don do”
Read the piece below
I no just understand my people some times. Some people go sidon dey look Uche face, dey dulling and the few wey wan do something weather our condition go fit better, na so we go dey yab dem, dey stone dem. I just tire when I read some useless tweets and updates about Tuface.
Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose has reacted to the public outrage that emanated since he declared support for the 2face led planned nationwide protest.
Speaking through his media aide Lere Olayinka, he outlined entertainers who are on All Progressives Congress(APC)’s payroll.
According to him:”The APC online supporters have warned Tuface against allowing opposition politicians to join the protest. The hypocrisy of these APC people is legendary!”
“Anyway, for the sake of clarity, Fayose only declared support for the rally being an opposition figure! However, If Fayose is one of those bankrolling the protest, so be it!!! I want to say without any fear or favour that 90% of protests staged against Goodluck Jonathan government had financial support from Bourdillon and APC controlled states and I stand corrected.”
“When Tinubu and APC Governors were bankrolling Actors and Actresses such as 9ice (Who later served as Special Adviser to APC Gov. Ajimobi in Oyo), Ronke Oshodi Oke (She’s a member of APC transition committee in Ondo), Dayo Adeneye D1 (current Commissioner for Information in Ogun State) Desmond Elliot (now a member of Lagos State House of Assembly), Jide Josoko (Veteran APC Reps Aspirant from Lagos) etc to stage protest against Jonathan’s government, heaven did not fall.”
“All the aforementioned entertainers were at Freedom Park, Ojota in January 2012 for one week, singing against Jonathan in the presence of Pastor Tunde Bakare of the CPC (now APC) and Dino Melaye; and Heaven did not fall then.”
“Those of you making noise today applauded anti-Jonathan protesters and the opposition politicians supporting them. The then Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi in particular gave N10 million to Occupy Naija members in Ado-Ekiti. So why should Fayose’s case be different? “
...5 reasons 2face led planned protest is troubling the presidency
When you think of 2face presently, what comes to mind is the planned protest he is spearheading against the Nigerian government and backlash coming his way. The planned protest slated for February 6th 2017,has garnered various reactions from Nigerians. One reaction that has got everyone ‘s attention is that of Governor Fayose of Ekiti State.
The outspoken Governor revealed on Twitter that he is ready to be part of the protest.According to him:”Let it be February 5, 6 or any day . I will be part of any protest aimed at rescuing our country from dictatorship and nepotism”
On the importance of protests, Righttoprotest.com states that protests exposes flaws in governance.
“Historically, protests have often inspired positive social change and the advancement of human rights, and they continue to help define and protect civic space in all parts of the world. Protests encourage the development of an engaged and informed citizenry. They strengthen representative democracy by enabling direct participation in public affairs.
“They enable individuals and groups to express dissent and grievances, to share views and opinions, to expose flaws in governance and to publicly demand that the authorities and other powerful entities rectify problems and are accountable for their actions. This is especially important for those whose interests are otherwise poorly represented or marginalised”
As the news of purported protest lingers, we take at a look at 5 reasons the 2face led planned protest is troubling the presidency.
Baby mama scandals aside, Innocent Ujah Idibia is perhaps the most influential Nigerian entertainer of his generation.The R n B star has dined with kings and queens, recorded chart topping songs, won several awards and now lending his voice to the entrenchment of good governance in Nigeria . 2face isn’t just another celeb who is hungry for cheap fame. He has it already. His influence is making the presidency and APC shudder
2. The Governor Fayose connection
Governor Ayo Fayose ‘s pledged support for the protest is another reason for the government to take the nationwide protest serious. Perhaps , they thought its going to be another usual Nigerian street rant,now the protest is moving beyond the entertainment space to the politcal terrain.
3.Reality Check
The scheduled protest will serve as a reality check for the Buhari led administration ,making them feel the pulse of the people. It will also make leaders at all levels of government become more accountable to the citizenry.
4.Celebrity support
When celebrities put their star power to good use, it helps to amplify the cause they are putting the spotlight on. Celebrities like Davido, Burna Boy, Seyi law, Niyola and others have put their weights behind the planned protest. The more celebrities support the protest, the more powerful it becomes. Recall that the Occupy Naija nationwide protest was formidable because celebrities put their weights behind it.
5. Social media trend
The planned protest was first announced via social media and since then it has spread like a virus. Recall that the #Blacklivesmatter protest gained momentum because of the massive social media engagement.
Today, whatever trends on social media is an issue that needs to be paid attention. 2face made use of Facebook Live to address Nigerians yesterday. It instantaneously became a trending topic on Twitter. The fact that the citizenry are questioning their leaders at the national level, taking to social media to pour their resentments toward the government ,is enough reason for the presidency to buckle up.
It is no longer news that 2face Idibia and other well-meaning Nigerians will stage a protest on February 6th demanding that all saboteurs of good government policies should hands off. Though some Nigerians entertainers like Funke Adesiyan and Bovi have stated that they won’t be part of the protest, the Africa Queen singer insists that the protest will happen against all odds
Earlier today 31st of January, the award -winning singer took to Facebook live streaming platform, to address Nigerians on the motive of the purported protest.
Read his statements below
Since the idea of a nationwide march was first mentioned, the need for urgent solutions to the challenges facing Nigerians has become very clear. The people have hoped for a better Nigeria since 1999 but things are not getting any better for the majority. We are still where we are – poor and desperate. I will be no longer be quiet.
I want to thank EiE, The 2face Foundation, numerous colleagues and countless fellow Nigerians for stepping up to partner with me. I am just a musician with a point of view and the ear of my fans.
I have dedicated my time and resources to peace building, voter education towards peaceful elections and youth engagement in governance in Nigeria. This time around, my partners, colleagues and I have come together to present a platform for real Nigerians to communicate their real pains to government at all levels in a peaceful and articulate manner with a view to getting lasting solutions to our problems.
This march is about demanding that all saboteurs of good government policies should hands off.
This march is about encouraging positive minded Nigerians to continue to work without intimidation.
We have a system that is clearly designed not to work for the majority.
What is this march not about?
It is not a platform for politicians of any party to manipulate. I know you will still spin it but for one second leave your battles aside and just listen to people without trying to score cheap political points against one another. It is not a point scoring exercise. It is certainly not personal.
It is not an organized labour platform. With all due respect to our comrades who have done much for Nigeria, this march is for the unrepresented.
It is not a ‘my religion or tribe is better than yours’ matter. All our blood is red.
I, Innocent Idibia, am a living example of a Nigerian who owes their success to Nigerians of every tribe and religion. None ask what religion or tribe I am before supporting me. I am grateful.
Therefore, it is with every sense of humility that I say that with this march, I want:
1) Security
All Nigerians’ lives MUST matter. My religion, ethnicity or what part of the country I live shouldn’t determine the type of protection I get from my government.
According to the Constitution, ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.’
2) Education
To develop beyond oil, we have to invest in our human capital. Every child must have access to quality education. If our teachers are not paid, how will we raise the next generation to lead the country and run our businesses?
3) Health
Health is wealth. People die daily from lack of basic, affordable health care. We can definitely do better.
4) Power
Government needs to make it easier to generate power at the state and local government level so everything is not tied to the center. We need electricity to be productive. The cost of generating our own power is crippling.
5) Unemployment
Poor education plus a struggling economy means a lot of people are unemployed. Unemployed people are hungry and angry.
6) High cost of living
Food, transportation, medicine, everything is 3 times, 4 times more expensive but our salaries haven’t increased. What do we do???
7) Social Justice
According to the Constitution, ‘The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a State based on the principles of democracy and social justice.’
There cannot be one set of rules for the poor and another set for the rich.
8) Transparency
The best way to kill corruption is to increase transparency. Government finances and contracts must be open and available to all. Who got the money, to do what and by when?
9) Cost of government
Our governance is TOO expensive – federal, state, local – cars, housing, allowances. We must reduce the cost of maintaining our public officials
10) Patriotism
I stand with Nigeria. There is enough in Nigeria for all of us to ‘chop belleful’. Enough is enough. We must put Nigeria first and keep all the greedy & selfish people away from leadership.
Call to Action
Between now and Monday, February 6, I ask you to share via videos, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, SMS to 0902-355-5335. How are these issues affecting you? What are your daily struggles? How is it doing you? No matter what part of the world you are, I encourage you to share your stories. And join me on Monday in Surulere or online
Use any of the hashtags #IStandWith2Baba #IStandWithNigeria #OneVoiceNigeria on social media.
We will take all the reports and send them to our elected representatives as ONE VOICE of Nigerians across party, ethnic and religious lines – as they hear real people talk about real issues.
On Monday, February 6, meet me at the National Stadium at 8AM and we’ll walk to the National Theatre – 2 national icons that epitomize our decline – as we state clearly and peacefully that #IStandWithNigeria and Nigeria must work for all of us and all of us must work for Nigeria.
Watch the video below
https://youtu.be/v1kSZq2Pi-w
Breaking his silence only 10 days after he left office, former President Barack Obama has backed nationwide protests against President Donald Trump’s Refugee Order on Monday.
In a strongly worded statement issued through a spokesman, Kevin Lewis and reported by networks, Obama said he was “heartened by the level of engagement taking place in communities around the country”.
“Citizens exercising their constitutional right to assemble, organise and have their voices heard by their elected officials is exactly what we expect to see when American values are at stake.
“With regard to comparisons to President Obama’s foreign policy decisions, as we’ve heard before, the President fundamentally disagrees with the notion of discriminating against individuals because of their faith or religion.”
The former president rejected Trump’s defence on Sunday that his executive orders restricting travel from seven countries were “similar to what President Obama did in 2011 when he banned visas for refugees from Iraq for six months”.
“The 2011 order did not ban visas for refugees, who by definition don’t travel on visas.
“It tightened the review process for citizens of Iraq and for refugees from the six other countries, while Trump’s is a near-blanket order applying to nearly all residents and citizens of all seven countries.”
Former presidents walk a fine line between staying politically engaged and avoiding knocking their successor.
President George W. Bush, for example, remained markedly silent on politics during Obama’s eight years in office.
But Obama’s relationship with Trump is different, and Monday’s statement made clear that the former president will stay engaged and outspoken on political action.
Trump’s order temporarily banned immigration from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia and indefinitely stopped Syrian refugees from coming to the United States.
The White House has compared Trump’s action to what Obama did in 2011 when “he banned visas for refugees from Iraq for six months,” Obama’s move was much narrower in scope.
It was crafted in response to two Iraqi refugees implicated in a bomb making scheme and while it did not outright ban refugees from coming to the U.Saudi. it did increase the amount of vetting each Iraqi refugee received.
Trump defended his executive order on Monday in the wake of protests across the country.
He said that America would “continue to show compassion to those fleeing oppression” but wOuld “do so while protecting our own citizens and border”.
“I have tremendous feeling for the people involved in this horrific humanitarian crisis in Syria.
“My first priority will always be to protect and serve our country, but as President I will find ways to help all those who are suffering,” Trump said.
NAN
Mixed reactions have trailed 2face ‘s purported February protest against the Federal Government. Funke Adesiyan, a Nollywood actress condemned the purported protest, Bovi also revealed that he won’t be part of the protest.
Though the likes of Davido and Burna Boy have pledged their support, some people believe the African Queen singer lacks the credibility to spearhead such a protest. One of such persons is Professor Akindele Adetoye, who took to his Facebook page to lambast the pop star.
According to him: “You are a bloody illiterate. You had sex with all manners of girls without using condoms. You impregnated them and made babies all over the place. You now want to lead protest against the government because of lack of governance! Have you governed your own personal life? Charity, they say begins at home. Nonsense!”
What do you think? Is 2face credible enough to lead such a protest?