Planned August 1 protest is for the poor, I’m rich – Portable

Portable, the controversial Nigerian singer, has once again dismissed talks of the planned August 1 nationwide protest.

A nationwide anti-inflation protest in Nigeria planned for August 1 has been the subject of media discourse over the last week.

The protest, which is themed “End Bad Governance in Nigeria”, is planned for August 1 to 10.

The protest, according to groups, is aimed at opposing the economic hardship and the rising cost of living affecting the citizens.

Portable had announced that he would not be joining the protest and called the intending protesters “jobless”.

He also urged them to “fight for themselves and not for Nigeria”.

In a viral video on social media, Portable said he faced criticism for his decision and for participating in the EndSARS protests in 2020.

He said he had a “poor” mindset then but is “rich now”, so his perspective has changed.

The singer said billionaires like Femi Otedola and Aliko Dangote do not participate in protests.

He advised people to mind their business.

“They are saying I joined the protest in 2020. It was then, poor thinking! Now that I have money, I’m thinking like a wealthy person,” he said.

“Have you ever seen Otedola protesting? Have you ever seen Dangote protesting? People like Dele Momodu you won’t see them. Better mind your business! I didn’t have money back then. Now, rich man thinking”.

Portable gained fame in December 2021 with the release of ‘Zazoo Zeh’, his hit single featuring Olamide and Poco Lee.

Since then, he has also made music industry discourse in Nigeria for controversial reasons.