Popular Nigerian singer, Mr Innocent Idibia who is best known as 2Baba, has called for a united Nigeria as he shares an inspiring message marking his 44th birthday.
Mr Innocent Ujah Idibia who is clearly grateful for yet another year, seems to be using the opportunity that the day has presented to him to call on all Nigerians, especially politicians and community leaders to allow peace to reign. He said:
“As I celebrate my birthday today, I call for peace across our dear country, Nigeria. Different forms of violence including electoral, banditry, herders and farmers conflicts, kidnapping and terrorism have and continue to snatch the lives of Nigeria’s citizens.
Let’s be clear, this is not a salvo to attack the government, I am not a politician but an artist and social rights crusader. I am calling on government (i.e our political leadership, security services etc.); and all citizens (i.e artists, entrepreneurs, media Okada riders etc.) to do everything we can and must do to promote and guarantee peace” he said.
Mr Idibia who has been bashed for allegedly calling for a protest against the Government and backing out later, also used the opportunity to let fans know about what he has decided to do this time around, as his contribution for the movement for peace in Nigeria. He also touched on what he has done before and his next project as elections in both Bayelsa State and Kogi draws near. He said:
“On my part, I have dedicated myself to mobilizing Nigerian youth and engaging political, security and traditional authorities to promote peaceful elections since 2014. I have worked with talented youth across Nigeria to reach 62 million people with the message of“elections without violence” as the Ambassador of the Vote Not Fight: Election No Be War campaign.
I will be leading the campaign’s efforts to promote peace during the November 16, 2019 governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States. As Nigerians, we must join hands together to resist violence across our country, in whatever nature in manifests. The government must, however, take the lead on this, as there are limits to what citizens can do – no matter how well-intentioned.
As the November 16, 2019, Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections approach, we must remember that the legitimacy of any government lies with its emergence from a peaceful, free, fair and credible election. I call on Kogi and Bayelsa youth to say NO to politicians who may offer them money to perpetrate violence or buy their votes. Let your conscience lead you.
In relation to all forms of violence across Nigeria – we need to remember that there can be no development without peace. We need to make the wise choice for the future as violence erodes our values and kills our people. We must also look out for the vices of hate speech, fake news, misinformation and disinformation which are certified triggers of violence.
One love my people, thank you for all the support over these years.
Innocent Ujah Idibia” he said.