Nigerian Celebrities React to NLC Strike and Nationwide Blackout
Falz
Rapper Falz found himself stranded due to the strike, which led to the closure of airports and the cancellation of flights. On June 3, 2024, he shared his experience on Instagram, detailing how his plans were disrupted. “That’s how I woke up this morning, set out to go to the airport only to find that the airport is closed and all flights are cancelled because of the strike. I can’t make it to Lagos and I’m now stuck in Uyo,” he said. Despite his personal inconvenience, Falz expressed strong support for the strike, criticizing the government and stating, “Despite the fact that it really affects me, I understand the need for the strike and I’m with them. I’m with the Labour because at the end of the day, werey ni awon people yi. They’re mad. The strike should have happened earlier than now in fact.”
Mr Macaroni
Popular comedian and actor Mr Macaroni voiced his frustrations on X, criticizing the Nigerian government for its failure to provide basic amenities and respect citizens’ rights. He lamented, “Nigerians wey no get wahala. I wonder why our politicians can’t simply see this. Provide basic amenities, respect the people’s fundamental human rights and create an enabling environment for the people. Simple. Everyone is happy. But no. Politicians want to steal for themselves and generations unborn! The greed is appalling!”
Kate Henshaw
Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw also took to X on June 3, 2024, to express her frustration with the nationwide blackout. She tweeted, “We have been in darkness since 5am this morning… It started at 2 am oo so dem remember us late sef…They gave us 3 hours grace.” Clearly exasperated, she added, “My tired is tired with all the lies and greed TBH.”
Seun Kuti
During discussions about the minimum wage on X, singer Seun Kuti went live on Instagram to introduce the concept of a maximum wage. He argued that the maximum wage should be tied to the minimum wage and should not exceed it by more than ten times. He explained, “I believe in a maximum wage but our maximum wage must be tied to our minimum wage. If they increase the minimum wage, what would happen is that even if the government can put price control, the prices of things would shoot up exponentially so the minimum wage would immediately lose value. We must put laws in place to make sure that the maximum wage is not 10 times more than the minimum wage.”
Nwanchukwu Emioma
Nollywood actor Nwanchukwu Emioma expressed his support for the NLC and the strike, emphasizing the need for collective action to bring about change. He stated, “If this strike would bring about the change we seek, then everyone needs to throw their weight in because the suffering is unhealthy.”
