Our investigations reveal five reasons Nigerian music icon 2face Idibia is calling off the nationwide march planned to hold tomorrow, February 6.
Despite widespread support from citizens and institutions, including Nigerian Entertainment Today, musician 2baba last night announced the cancellation of the planned February 6 nationwide protest.
In a video posted on his Instagram page and shared on Twitter, the ‘African Queen’ singer said, in what appeared to be a scripted message: ‘Dear Nigerians, after due consultations, it has become clear that the One Voice Nigeria protest scheduled to hold in Lagos and Abuja on Monday the 6th of February is under serious threat of hijack by interests not aligned with our ideals.’
READ: Why we must march against bad government in Nigeria on February 6 – 2face Idibia
Millions of Nigerians were expected to leave their homes, workplace and families to be at the National Stadium in Surulere on Monday as they walk through to the National Theatre in Lagos.
Thenetng analysis showed that up to 75% of online engagements on the planned march were positive – confirming the credibility of Idibia, and the frustration of Nigerians who voted for change in 2015.
It’s the first time in the history of Nigeria that a pop musician of Idibia’s nature will call for such citizen action, and pundits say, the response it elicited from government, civil society groups and citizens shows that Nigerians are in desperate need of a voice, a champion, to speak truth to power and hold leaders accountable.
Here, below, are five reasons we believe pushed 2face Idibia to cancel the nationwide protest.
1. Security
Sources say 2face never expected the massive interest his planned protest gathered in less than a month.
The Lagos State police force earlier stated that 2face does not have the capacity to contain such a crowd, which is indeed true because he’s a civilian like you and me, with no structure for such huge advocacy.
And, as one insider put it, there were also fears of terrorist attack by Boko Haram.
2. Welfare
This protest was planned in a short time.
As a result, organizers might not have enough resources to cater for the many people who have attested to join the march, and the need of emergency health care and sustenance of these people during the march.
3. Possible multifaceted threats
Not everyone is at peace with the movement many Nigerians believed in. And dozens, Nigerian Entertainment Today gathered, are working to compromise what was meant to be a peaceful demonstration.
There are also claims that the singer has received numerous appeals from the most powerful people in this country to call off the protest, including the presidency and the secret service.
4. His Legacy
Innocent Ujah Idibia is just a musician with a point of view and the ear of his fans who are mainly Nigerians. He has a wife – Annie Idibia – along with many women and children whose future rely on his shoulders.
READ: Dear Nigerians, here is why we should all try to be like 2face Idibia
The outcome of the march against bad government would either make a positive or negative impact on his career, family and the entertainment industry.
5. What happens after the protest?
Is it going to be continuous protest with many people who are ready to die for their fatherland till their voice has been heard?
Nobody knows what the future holds after the Monday, February 6 march.
There were concerns this morning that the singer may have been placed under house arrest and forced to record last night’s video cancelling the protest. But Thenetng confirms 2baba’s decision to cancel was independent and he was not at any point arrested.
‘They’ve looked at all the possible outcomes and decided it was best to pull back and prevent any crises. He really didn’t want something that will degenerate to fights and riots and possible deaths’, a source told us.
Idibia has not been available for comments.
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