Nigerian celebrities are beginning to feel the heat of scarcity of the new Naira notes and fuel. OLAITAN GANIU captures some entertainers who couldn’t hide their frustrations as the cash shortage persists.
Nollywood star, Kate Henshaw admitted that the current economic situation has drastically affected her as a public figure. According to the actress and TV show host, the situation in the country is both painful and pitiful.
“If I tell you I am not pained with this hardship foisted on us, I would be lying. To think some people thrive and benefit from this is sickening. Nigerians deserve much better. I want a better nation to thrive in,” she began.
Continuing the 51-year-old thespian said, “People are hungry. It’s shameful to see but they are receiving broth and selling off their birthright. If only they recognise the power they have. I am tired, to be honest.”
For popular actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Nigerians are too intelligent to be going through suffering.
The mother of four expressed her displeasure over the hardship Nigerians are experiencing on a daily basis.
“After living in the US now for about two years. Not just visiting but living and changing systems. I now see many things we managed and let slide is just pure craziness. I’m deeply frustrated at the depth and volume of the needless suffering Nigerians go through. We are too intelligent a people to suffer like this. Suffering is not a lesson to brag about, it’s evil. Why must people suffer to get anything done?”
Skit-maker, Adebowale ‘Mr. Macaroni’ Adebayo urged the government to prioritise the pressing economic over political campaigns.
“Let’s focus on the issue of fuel scarcity, and unavailability of Naira amongst other vices that have brought unbearable hardship and suffering upon the people of Nigeria. The people deserve better. Vote competent leaders,” he said.
He followed up his submission noting that Nigerians don’t deserve the excruciating. experience “Nigerians definitely do not deserve this hardship and suffering. Why are we still having fuel scarcity in 2023? This is why we all must vote. Politicians will only do better when they see that the people have the power to elect them or throw them out of office.”
While protesting against the exorbitant charges by the Point-of-Sale (Pos) operators, comedian Akpororo charged the government to investigate their mode of operations.
“How are the money changers getting it? They need to do findings about that. Who is giving money changers this money?,” Akpororo asked.
“We are buying our money, it’s not even dollars. How much is God collecting, 10 percent? People wey dey do POS now don pass God. Them dey share the same power with God. Government please help us. Nigerians need help, na beg we dey,” he said.
Similarly, actor Femi Adebayo narrated what he went through with the new Naira notes.
“The currency of Nigeria is now gold. Before I got it, I went through hell. I wanted to buy little things. I couldn’t buy plantain, ewedu, or pineapple. No PoS and they don’t collect transfers. Of course, we are in support of a cashless society, but at least make it available.”
One-half of the music duo, Peter Okoye of PSquare mocked members of the House of Representatives over their involvement in the new Naira notes scarcity.
“So e reach money matter our Reps begin dey threaten. During Endsars, fuel cost & scarcity, minimum wage and ASUU strike dem no ginger like dis! Believe it or not all this their ginger now on dis new Naira note is for their selfish interest. Buhari and CBN dey press their neck,” he noted.