Popular skit maker and Nollywood actor, Debo Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has said that Nigerian politicians remain corrupt and unaccountable because citizens fail to demand better governance.
Mr Macaroni made the statement in response to a social media post urging Nigerians to unfollow celebrities who do not speak out on certain national issues.
In a lengthy post on his 𝕏 handle, the actor argued that it is unfair to expect celebrities to make sacrifices that the general public is not willing to make. He said that manipulating public figures into speaking on specific issues is unreasonable.
He pointed out that while many Nigerians ignore police brutality when it happens on the streets, they are quick to criticize celebrities online for not speaking out against it.
According to him, real change will only happen when Nigerians collectively decide to take action, rather than waiting for celebrities to lead the movement.
He wrote, “I would never endorse a post like this!!! Please do not ask Celebrities to make sacrifices the people themselves are not ready to make. Celebrities are Citizens like you. If majority of the people are quiet, why should we blame celebrities?
“Also not all celebrities wish to speak on social issues. So it’s unfair to manipulate us into speaking about certain topics because even when we speak, we get attacked!
“We can’t force people into advocacy simply because their line of work has made them famous. Let me give an example: Nigerians will see their fellow Nigerian being brutalized by the police.. instead of coming together to stop it that very moment, some will pass by, some others will watch, some others will record. Then same Nigerians will come online to attack Celebrities for not speaking against police brutality.
“When Nigerians truly want change, The people will not wait for any celebrity. The people will become their own celebrities and they will lead and take charge! I would never stop speaking up against the oppression of the people and against bad governance.
“That is what I have always stood against even before fame. But please do not hold other celebrities to the same standard especially when the people themselves are not accountable. The reason why Nigerian Politicians are so corrupt and reprehensible is because they know that the people would never hold them accountable. Nigerians adapt to any situation. The politicians know this and continue to exploit it. We all must come together as one! Celebrity or not, irrespective of our tribal and religious sentiments. We must unite and hold our Leaders to account.”
