Popular singer and activist Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa, better known as Charly Boy, has called on Nigerian youths to persist with the planned nationwide protests against bad governance.
In a post on his X handle on Wednesday, Charly Boy criticized those in power for attempting to silence dissent and avoid accountability, suggesting that such actions indicate they have secrets to hide. He emphasized that true leaders should welcome scrutiny and protest if they are confident in their integrity.
Charly Boy’s statement comes in response to a report advising Lagos residents to ignore the protests, claiming that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is already addressing their needs.
Charly Boy countered this advice, stating: “A Season of Lies, Wayo, Deceit, Propaganda and the more you Look……….. If those in power are confident in their integrity, they should embrace scrutiny and protest, not suppress it. But when they resort to silencing dissenting voices and avoiding accountability, it’s clear they have secrets to hide. The ‘skeletons/cemeteries in their cupboard’ are a testament to their corruption and abuse of power.”
He continued, “In a true democracy, governments must be transparent and answerable to the people. They should welcome criticism and engage in open dialogue, even when it’s uncomfortable. By doing so, they can earn trust and demonstrate their commitment to serving the public interest. But when they try to hide behind secrecy and intimidation, it’s a clear sign of guilt and a betrayal of the people’s trust.”
Charly Boy concluded his message with a rallying cry to Nigerian youths: “Nigerian youths don’t ever back down. If dem no fear us, dey can never respect us. Nonsense. Dia fathers.”