Insecurity: ‘They will arrest us if we speak up’ – Portable defends Nigerian celebrities

Controversial singer Portable has revealed why he avoids speaking publicly about Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, saying he fears being arrested by authorities.

Reacting to British-Nigerian rapper Skepta’s call for celebrities to speak out on the country’s challenges, Portable said he prefers to stay away from political commentary.

According to the singer, Nigerians living abroad have more freedom to criticize the government because they are beyond the reach of local authorities.

“I can’t condemn the insecurity because I’m afraid they might arrest me,” he said.

Portable’s comments have sparked mixed reactions online, with some supporting his caution while others argue that public figures should use their platforms to address national issues.

Speaking in a video broadcast, he said, “Skepta, God bless you for remembering and speaking for Nigeria. However, you saying we, Nigerian celebrities, should speak up and demand justice, do you want the Nigerian government to pick us? They will arrest us if we speak up.

“This government is oppressing us. Some of us are still being persecuted over our past remarks. We need help. We need support, not just prayers. Nigerians in diaspora should speak up because Nigerian government can’t arrest them from abroad. Those of us in Nigeria, if we speak, we will be in big trouble. They might even seize our passports if we, celebrities say what we are not supposed to say.

“So, I’m only concerned about how I can make money and better my own life. It is not like celebrities don’t care about Nigeria, but if we speak, they will persecute us. A lot of us are even tired of what is happening in Nigeria. But we can’t speak up. If we were in abroad, it would be safer to speak up.”