Comedian Gordons apologises for calling Tuface illiterate.

Popular Nigerian comedian, Gordons, has apologised for calling Tuface an illiterate.

Gordons said this after Tuface backed out from leading the nationwide anti-government protest of Monday.

Tuface initiated the protest but called it off Saturday evening.

The cancellation triggered reactions especially on various social media platforms.

In a video posted on Instagram Tuesday by Goldmyn TV, Gordons was seen firing shots at the popular Nigerian pop star, suggesting that Tuface used a wrong approach in airing his grievances.

“Tuface is my mentor when it comes to music, he is one musician I adore, legendary to me. But you cannot use a tool that you are not used to.

“When Fela was fighting government, he used a tool that he was used to and that was music.

“Sunny Okposo before he died, he was fighting (for) freedom with a tool that he was used to.

“How on earth will Tuface be fighting a fight that he is not used to? Tuface is not a politician, he is a musician.

“If you want to lead a protest, he should lead it with music.

“How are you going to express yourself Tuface, when Microphone is right in your face and you are asked to express your grievance? You can’t express yourself; it’s not your game. Do it with music that you are used to.

“Tuface is the only illiterate who can sing correctly in music”, he said.

This however did not sit well with fans as they took to social media to blast Gordons for publicly calling out Tuface in such a manner.

The reactions however spurred Gordons to tender an open apology on Instagram.

“Whats up people, I just did an SMS of an apology to Tuface and his family because sometimes people misunderstand the reason why we do what we do. I am just a comedian I’m just like a gynaecologist who is doing his job, it doesn’t matter who comes, I will do my job”, he said.

“This is not intended to insult Tuface or the family.

“But I understand the situation we are in and I felt that was a little bit below the belt and I had to apologize, so fans please take it easy with Tuface and the family. This was not intended to bring a fight. Thank you so very much, thanks for all the love and support, peace”, he added.

However, Tuface in a recent post on Instagram, thanked Nigerians for lending their voices to the cause, adding that he was not moved by those calling him a coward for backing out.

I Didn’t Stop The Protest, I Only Backed Out Of The Physical Convergence – Tu Face

Popular Musician, Innocent Idibia, a.k.a Tu-Face, has explained why he is not physically present in the protests taking place in Abuja and Lagos state.

 

In a phone interview with Channels Television on Monday, he insisted that he is still in support of the rally but had only backed out for security reasons.

 

“I don’t have the sole franchise to protest so I’m still in support of them, I think its within their rights.

 

“I can’t tell anybody not to stand for what they believe in. For me, there were a whole lot of things I put into consideration. I noticed a whole lot of people were trying to hijack the process.

 

“I only decided to back out of the physical protest due to security reasons but it’s not as if I’m not still standing by the things I said or the things I believe about governance in Nigeria for a long time now.

 

“I want to make it clear, I was not arrested by the DSS, I am free, I am good, nobody intimated me, nobody harassed me, nobody paid me to start it in the first place and nobody paid me to stop it.

 

“I didn’t stop the protest I only stopped the physical convergence”.

 

The singer had started a movement “One Voice Nigeria”, and had planned to embark on the protest over what was termed “obnoxious policies” of the Federal Government, come February 6, 2017.

 

As at Sunday, he had denounced plans to go ahead with the protest after intense pressure was mounted on the group from the police as a result of security threats.

 

Source: Channels TV

#IStandWithNigeria: Akwa Ibom protest was cancelled because Tuface backed out – Organisers

The much talked-about anti-federal government protest scheduled for today in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, did not take place, after all.

The planned protest, initiated originally by the popular Nigerian singer, Tuface, went on in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, despite Tuface backing out of it.

Throughout Monday morning, till 11.30a.m, there was no single protester at the popular Ibom Plaza, Uyo, where the protest was planned to take place.

When a PREMIUM TIMES reporter visited the plaza at about 9 a.m, people were freely going about their businesses. The amphitheatre at the plaza was completely empty.

Business owners and visitors at the plaza said they did not notice any sign of protest at the plaza.

A man watering flowers around the plaza told this newspaper that he did not see any protester in the area since he came to work by 6 a.m.

There was a police pick-up truck parked in front of a police post at the plaza. But people working or doing business at the plaza said that the police presence was a common sight in the plaza in order to scare away criminals.

A group in Akwa Ibom, Concerned Citizens, told PREMIUM TIMES that they received a police permit for the protest, but that they canceled it because of Tuface’s withdrawal.

“The permit we got from the police covered the protest that was planned by Tuface. Since Tuface announced that he wasn’t going ahead with the protest any longer, we too had to back out from it,” the group’s spokesman, John Ntekim, told PREMIUM TIMES at about 10.37 a.m.

Mr. Ntekim, however, said that some individual citizens would likely go ahead with the protest at the Ibom Plaza in the afternoon.

 

Source: Premium Times

#IstandWithNigeria: Nigerians take to the streets in protest against bad governance.

A protest to demand good governance and an urgent explanation for the country’s economic downturn kicks off today simultaneously in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other major cities across the country.

 

The decision to stage the process has been met with stiff opposition by the police who, repeatedly, told the organisers to call off their planned action.

 

Popular musician, 2Face Idibia, who was billed to lead the protest in Lagos, opted out at the eleventh hour citing security concerns.

 

In Lagos, the protesters are expected to march from National Stadium in Surulere to the National Theatre, Iganmu, a distance of about four kilometres.

 

Outside the National Stadium, Lagos, there at least half a dozen police patrol vans and more than 20 armed police officers.

 

Inside the stadium, there are dozens of people carrying placards, as well as more armed police officers.

#IStandWithNigeria: Comedian SeyiLaw joins protesters at the National Stadium

Nigerian comedian SeyiLaw just arrived the National Stadium, Surulere to join the protesters.

 

The comedian, who on Sunday said Innocent ‘2baba’ Idibia only cancelled his participation in the protest, and not the actual event.

 

Seyi Law said the protest is not about the Nigeria music icon but about the demand for good governance by Nigerians.

 

He noted that Nigerians have a right to protest while stating that he understood why 2baba had to pull out.

 

“Please if they won’t let us gather, can we stage a social media revolution for tomorrow and keep tweeting and trend with #NigeriansProtest,” he wrote.

 

“My heart bleeds right now. This is not about Tuface. This is about us and our demand for good governance. God knows I will be at the stadium tomorrow whether people gather or not. I have a right to be at the stadium too.

 

“Tuface has cancelled his own participation not my own. I want to assure you that I will be at the stadium tomorrow. I am giving Nigerians the assurance that I will be at the stadium tomorrow. We have a right to our protest. I absolutely understand @official2baba, but I am not backing out.

 

“These pple think it’s about 2Face. They are mistaken. It is about us. We only appreciate his willingness to stand with us.”

Showdown as Nigerians divide into 3 groups – #IStandWithBuhari, #IStandWithTuface & #IStandWithNigeria

There’s no sitting on the fence. This weekend, Nigerians will be sharply divided into three distinct groups – #IStandWithBuhari, #IStandWithTuface and #IStandWithNigeria. All three will be stomping the streets in a popularity contest from Sunday.

Of the three, #IStandWithTuface, a sort of 2012 remake of #OccupyNigeria and #EnoughisEnough fuel subsidy protest, is leading the pack in popularity and resilience, as the other two appear to be a belated afterthought in response to the growing acceptance of a movement that may well define public consciousness and shape the next general elections in 2019.

The missions of the three groups are well stated. Popular music icon, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as Tuface, is leading a nationwide protest against the government and for good governance; a group, which sponsors are yet to be unveiled, #IStandWithBuhari immediately launched a counter protest in support of the government; while a fairly unknown group, led by those who refuse to be bystanders in the emerging power show, is floating #IStandWithNigeria.

“We want to state very clearly and peacefully that #IStandWithNigeria and the country must work for all of us and all of us must work for Nigeria,” he wrote on his Facebook page yesterday.

Ahead of the clash of the mega rallies, it has been a feverish war on the social media space with each canvassing for supporters and maligning the others.

The group in support of the government had on Wednesday in a Facebook post stirred some controversy when it announced its nationwide solidarity rally for February 5 to take place on the same day Tuface had earlier fixed his protest march.

Not taking the bait, the #IStandWithTuface group immediately shifted their rally to Monday, February 6, to avoid some clash with the president’s supporters, while announcing they intend to hold the march on the day President Muhammadu Buhari would be returning to the country from his 10-day vacation in London.

Despite the controversies generated by the much-publicized protest, including the warning by the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, stopping the protest, the ‘African Queen’ crooner yesterday vowed to go ahead with the protest.

Meanwhile, the police have been advised to desist from becoming tyrannical by attempting to stop the Tuface Idibia-led rally. A pro-democracy and Non-Governmental Organization, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) said the Nigeria police should not attempt to stop an idea whose time has come just as it affirmed that the peaceful nation-wide rallies called by the reputable social crusader and musician, Idibia is in compliance with a plethora of human rights provisions enshrined in the Chapter 4 of the Nigerian Constitution.

In the same vein, activist-lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, yesterday said the police cannot stop the planned mass rally organised by the popular musician, saying it is an attempt to intimidate those who wish to partake in the rally.

“For the information of the police commissioner, Nigeria is a democratic country governed strictly in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. Section 39 of the Constitution grants freedom of expression, including the right to be heard and disseminate information.

 

Source: Guardian

#IStandWithNigeria: Let us not make this protests about Tuface – By Yemisi Adegoke

With back to back protests all over the world, it was probably inevitable that one would spring up in Nigeria, but rather than being a straightforward affair it’s threatening to derail before the first placard hits the street.

When 2Face first announced plans for nationwide protests calling for good governance, almost immediately it started trending. On social media, Nigerians are split; the pro-2Face camp are lauding his past efforts to promote civic engagement and speak out against poor leadership, “no one is perfect” they argue and “at least he is speaking out.”

The critics however, are citing a series of reasons why he isn’t fit to lead the march, ranging from the bizarre accusation of his supposed ‘lack of personal governance’ to claims of his ‘illiteracy.’ While the sceptics are asking if he or any celebrity should lead the march due to the cosy nature of relations between some entertainers and politicians.

Conversation about the protest has been dominated by talk of who is sponsoring it, or pulling strings from behind the curtain, what APC politicians think, what PDP politicians think, what the presidency thinks, what celebrities will show up and 2Face. At the center of it all is 2Face. Questions keep rolling in about what his motives are, if he’s being paid, what artistes are supporting him, what artistes are not, if this march is a launch pad for a political bid and so on.

While I agree that it’s right to have questions and to ask them, the intense concentration on the man shifts the focus away from the message. Ideally such a movement would spring organically from the everyday Nigerian, like the Black Lives Matter movement or even closer to home in Zimbabwe. Last summer, Zimbabweans took part in an organised stay-away day, where schools and businesses across the country completely shut down in protest over a government policy.

But we don’t live in an ideal world and the power and draw of celebrity is undeniable. Let’s be honest, if an unknown Akin or Ijeoma from Mushin tried to galvanise a protest, how many people would listen, and more importantly, come out to take part in the protest?

While it might be honourable to lend a powerful voice to a cause, it’s important that focus on that voice doesn’t shift and become bigger than the cause itself.

Worse still is the danger that this voice will become the long-desired hero, idolized and relied upon to magically solve everything with the wave of a hand. There’s a tendency in Nigeria to pin hope on a hero; a politician, an activist, someone that will not only lead us, but save us. This mythical figure will do the hardwork of thinking, fighting and preserving our freedoms so we don’t have to.

In one of the videos he released on Instagram 2Face clearly defined what the march isn’t about: politicians trying to hijack the movement to score cheap points and highlighting of political leanings and tribal differences. And he’s right, it’s not about any of that, so let’s not make it about him either.

“We won’t allow the February 6 protest to hold”, Police boss says.

Fatai Owoseni, the Lagos state police commissioner, says some “hoodlums” are planning to hijack the Innocent 2face Idibia-led protest against the federal government.

According to The Nation, the commissioner said he would not allow the citizen action to carry on because the the musician, also known as 2baba, lacks the “capacity to contain such a crowd”.

“Information reaching us revealed that some hoodlums are planning to hijack the peaceful protest,” Owoseni was quoted as saying.

“And as such, we won’t allow it to hold in Lagos. We know that Tuface 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.”

After Idibia made known his intention to champion the protest, several celebrities publicly displayed support for it, expressing willingness to join .

The protest was initially billed to hold on Sunday, but was later pushed forward to Monday – the same day President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to return to the country from the UK, where he has been on vacation.

Idibia had announced that it would commence at National Stadium, Surulere and end at National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

Why I’m leading anti-government protest – Tuface Idibia

Despite the controversy around his planned anti-government rally, Nigerian musician, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2face, has insisted on going ahead with the rally and provided reasons for it.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, the singer said the protest would kick off on Monday from the National Stadium, Surulere in Lagos at 8 a.m. and terminate at the National Theatre in Iganmu area of the city.

Defending his choice of venues, the multiple-award winning artiste said “The National Theatre and National Stadium are the two national icons that epitomise our decline as a nation.”

2face also called on Nigerians to henceforth speak out about the issues affecting them and also share them via videos, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and SMS to 0902-355-5335.

“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,” 2face said.

He also put to rest viral reports that Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Apkabio, was sponsoring the protest.

“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 organised 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 owe their success to Nigerians of every tribe and religion. None ask what religion or tribe I am before supporting me. I am grateful,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Blackface, a former bandmate of 2face, has called on Nigerians to boycott the protest in an Instagram post.

He wrote, “Instead of anyone staging a protest, we all should put our hands on deck to rebuild our country with everyone being committed to serving the country so there can be peace in the land once more.”

Also, the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, has said the command was aware of the proposed demonstration.

Mr. Owoseni stated this on Monday to journalists in Lagos while parading the publisher of Biafra Times and nine others for allegedly publishing and circulating seditious and malicious publications.

The police chief said although his command was yet to be officially notified, the police would not allow unscrupulous elements to hijack the protest.

Read 2face’s statement 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 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 match not about?

Therefore, it is with every sense of humility that I say that with this march, I want:

1)    Security

All Nigerian 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 levels so everything is not tied to the centre. 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.

Senator Akpabio denies sponsoring 2face’s planned protest.

The Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, has disassociated himself from the plan by foremost Nigerian singer, 2Baba, also known as 2Face, to stage a protest on February 5 against the federal government.

The internet has been flooded with reports that Mr. Akpabio, who is a former governor of Akwa Ibom state, was sponsoring the planned protest.

The senator, through a statement issued by his spokesman, Anietie Ekong, said it was laughable that people could try to link him with the planned protest because of the Prado SUV he donated in 2013 as a wedding gift to the singer and his wife, Annie Macaulay who is from Akwa Ibom.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state categorically that Senator Akpabio knows nothing about the planned protest neither is he the sponsor,” said the statement which added that Mr. Akpabio “has had no contact whatsoever with 2Face for many years”.

The statement continued: “According to the information being circulated the organizers of the planned protest have stated clearly that their protest is: ‘a call for nationwide protests as we say no to the Executive, no to legislatures, no to judiciary.’ Is it not idiotic and senseless for anyone to imagine that Senator Akpabio will sponsor a protest against the same arm of government that he is serving as a leader?

“As the Minority Leader, Senator Akpabio has consistently maintained that Nigerians should put aside their differences and support every effort that will pull the country out of the present recession.

“Much as he believes in the right of every Nigerian to express himself, he does not think that mass protest is the solution.

“The mischievous attempt to drag the name of Senator Akpabio into the planned protest should be discountenanced as the handiwork of political jobbers,” the statement said.

 

Source: Premium Times

Lady Strips For Tuface In Presence Of Annie Idibia (PHOTOS)

A lady grabbed Tuface from behind, pulled him close, stripped off her top and attempted to take Tuface’s clothes off, during the Star Music Trek concert in Sapele.

Annie Idibia who was present to cheer her husband’s performance looked dazed at the occurrence. It took a while before the security could pull her away from the Star Music Trek stage.

1 3