D'Banj Under Attack Again Over Alleged 'Insensitive' Comments

Popular Nigerian music star, Dapo Oyebanjo, who is well known as D'Banj, has again landed himself into another waters of controversies.

You will recall that the music artiste was lashed out on by some fans just last month, when he was alleged of not showing concerns for fuel subsidy protests going on as at that time, as reported by NEWSMEN.

Just when some Nigerians were almost letting go of him of that, the kokomaster has plunged himself into another ocean of troubles.

In a recent interview with Saharareporters, D'Banj told the world that he never knew what was happening in Nigeria during the fuel subsidy protests saga. He claimed he was in the United Kingdom at that time.

But when asked if he also never heard of the London version of the protest in the UK, D'Banj said he was also not aware of that. He claimed he was also not aware of it via the internet.

He then went ahead to tell the interviewer that he was not concerned about all that (fuel subsidy matters) but he was only ready to talk about his New York koko concert, which held yesterday.

A part of the interview reads, "I have told you, I don’t want to say anything about that topic. I have a concert tomorrow (February 19), I need to practice and prepare well so I can represent Africa well," D'Banj told the interviewer, Chika Odua.

In reaction to D'Banj's interview, many Nigerians have condemned him over his alleged unguarded statements on the plights of Nigerians who buy his work.

According to some who spoke to NEWSMEN, they wonder why D'Banj would show such insensitivity towards what affects those that pay for his services.

A fan of his told NEWSMEN, "this same D'Banj would expect us to buy his album, pay 1million naira per table for his shows. Is he doing music for himself? D'Banj has lost it, for me, I will not waste my money on his music again."

A top Nigeria music artiste, who begged for anonymity told NEWSMEN, "that was a wrong thing to say, D'Banj should have just used that medium to win hearts of fans who were already disappointed in him during the Occupy Nigeria protests.

"He should have understood that this same people made him who he is today. Those [artistes] that participated in the protests were not fools. I pray this does not affect his career in Nigeria. I just hope so."

Social networking sites, especially twitter is getting buzzed on anger by some Nigerians over the Saharareporters' interview with D'Banj, with many condemning D'Banj on his comments.

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Don Jazzy Shows Displeasure At Labour’s Betrayal Of Nigerians

The announcement by the organized labour on Monday January 16 of agreeing to suspend the one week long nationwide strike came to many Nigerians as a shock. The major reason for the surprise may have been due to a change of mind by the labour unions’ initial stand on N65 per litre for the sale of petrol, after it was increased to N141 per litre on January 1, 2012 from N65 per litre.

Before the announcement of the new fuel pump price, Nigerians had put faith in labour in pressing home their demands by forcing the federal government to go back to status quo, N65 per litre. This was to be done before going through the proper consultations of stakeholders and agreeing to totally remove subsidy from the downstream sector. 

It was no surprise that Nigerians came out en-mass to adhere to the call of mass protest by labour and other civil society groups in the country, which lasted on a stretch of five days, putting the Nation’s economy at a standstill. One of the many celebrities that have openly condemned the action of the labour unions is the boss of the music fraternity, Mohits Record Label. 

According to the Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music label producer, Don Jazzy, he said, “the God that we serve sees all what happens behind closed doors. One day, breeze go blow and fowl yansh go open. Dem say strike is over. Hmm.” When asked if he was happy with the suspension of the strike action by labour, Michael Collins Elebeli, his real name, answered, “Yes and No. We might not get another chance like this again to fight.” Don Jazzy had earlier come under heavy attack when NEWSMEN reported his regret on voting President Jonathan during the last elections. 

Confirming this, the Delta State award winning producer confessed, “If only you have an idea of what I have been through for saying I regretted my vote alone.”

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Rapper Jay-Z even joined Nigerians in the Occupy Nigeria Protest

This is really nice of jayz helping Nigerian to fight this corruption in the land

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Jonathan Deceived Nollywood With $200m —Chukwurah

Popular Nollywood actress, Clarion Chukwurah, has berated President Goodluck Jonathan over his purported donation of $200 million to the entertainment industry saying it was a deceit.

The actress who joined her counterparts in the entertainment industry in support of the masses against the removal of subsidy by the President, said nobody in the industry can say he has received the money from the President.

President Jonathan had announced a donation of $200 million to the entertainment industry during a meeting with the stakeholders in the industry. He described this as a direct intervention lifeline for the exclusive purpose of supporting artist and developing the entertainment industry.

The announcement was made at the 30th anniversary of the Silverbird Group in Lagos.

He had immediately received commendations from actors, actresses and musicians most of whom released campaign songs for him and publicly endorsed him as their candidate.

Chukwurah, while reacting to the removal of fuel subsidy by the President and some of his policies since he assumed office, Nigerians should not believe in his promises adding that the President is like other politicians who promise and fail.

She said the President announced the huge sum for the entertainment industry as “a bait to get us all to endorse him for the election and sell our fans to him,” since the President believes that with such endorsement, their fans would do same.

Also, musician, Daddy Showkey, regretted endorsing him during Jonathan’s campaign, saying the President had reneged on his promise to the people of the country.

Daddy Showkey said: “though I followed him throughout the campaign period, endorsed him and campaigned for him, I don’t support this policy.”

He added in pidgin English: “Jonathan, they say I should tell you to revert to the old fuel price of N65 per litre,” he said.

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Dickson Iroegbu is only against subsidy removal because we did not give him N2 million – AGN

Actors Guild’s of Nigeria (AGN) has gone on offensive against one of its own. If you’ve been following the news since the President of AGN Segun Arinze made public his support for subsidy removal, the actor has been inundated with barrages of attacks from every angle.

The Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP) quickly held an emergency press conference and lambasted him for apparently bringing the respected name of AGN to disrepute.

During the press briefing, Dickson Iroegbu said:

“We urge the President to revert to status quo and listen to the yearnings of the masses on the streets, and save Nigeria from collapsing”.

A day later, Dickson Iroegbu told NEWSMEN “The fuel subsidy removal is an insensitive action. It’s anti-masses.”

Today, in a shocking message made available to the public, AGN is firing back, making serious accusations against Iroegbu.

Here is the message from AGN.

This is to bring to the notice of AGN members and the general public that Dickson Iroegbu, has resorted to media campaign to smear the good image of AGN and the National President, because he demanded 2 million naira from AGN during our Round Table on the 30th Dec. 2011 to support deregulation, according to him, government gave us money to organize the event.

We make bold to say that AGN did not collect from government or any agents of government to organize the conference and it was not intended to support government on deregulation but to educate our members.

Dickson Iroegbu had wanted to use AGN to defraud Nigerians and even government officials in the past.

In 2010, Dickson wanted to use AGN to stage our plateau program to raise money from unsuspecting Nigerians for his pocket, the NAT president discovered the fraudulent intent and pulled AGN out of it, (the event held and money raised how much did he give to plateau people that are still suffering till today?)

Same Dickson came to partner with AGN to produce a TV jingle for the president Jonathan during his presidential campaign, so we can use it to collect millions of naira from PDP, but we made him understand that AGN is not partner.

Dickson Iroegbu was on STV today discredited AGN as a credible association and said he will not use AGN in his film productions. Where is he going to manufacture his artists from? Don’t blackmail AGN because of N2m we do not have.

Beware of Dickson Iroegbu; he is not a friend of AGN.

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SUBSIDY REMOVAL:HOW RITA DOMINIC,MONALISA CHINDA,SEGUN ARINZE,OTHERS SOLD THEIR CONSCIENCE FOR N200,000

It is no longer news that concerned masses of Nigerian nation are fighting back with everything left in them to ensure that President Goodluck Jonathan will not remove fuel subsidy,which has automatically inflated the price of petroleum products from N65 to N141 per liter.

Little do the citizens of this nation know that while they are crying and gnashing their teeth over the subsidy issue,the Federal Government has been busy doling out millions of naira to buy over the conscience of famous and prestigious citizens of this country.

On Friday December 30,2011 at Eko Hotel and Suites,Victoria Island,Lagos,it became the turn of Nigeria movie industry to collect their own share of the “Ghana-must-go” loads of naira notes that have changed hands over the fuel subsidy removal.

At the very moment when Nigerian “suffering masses” have not forgiven Nollywood stars for campaigning and voting Mr. President into office as a result of all the millions they got,they have done yet another grievous offense by accepting his bags of money to support fuel subsidy removal and keep mute while the poor masses are crying.

The closed door meeting took place during the Nollywood Forum entitled,”Understanding Deregulation”.Mr. Oronto Douglas,who represented Mr. President,outlined various promises and millions that will be allocated to various sectors of economy, states and local governments when fuel fuel subsidy removal comes to existence,concluding that economic development will take off through all the billions that will be realized from subsidy.

After throwing questions on what all the money that will definitely come to the fat pocket of federal government through fuel subsidy removal will be used for,stakeholders of Nollywood who came en mass promised to support removal on the grounds that President Jonathan will fulfill all his promises to allocate all the money that will be realized to various areas of the economy,states and local governments or Nollywood will be the very first industry that will rise up and revolt against him.

We are begging Mr. President because all of us in Nollywood went out of our way to campaign and vote him into office,since he assumed office we have seen ourselves being asked by people to go and meet Jonathan anytime we complain about the situation of things in the country,because they are aware of the things we did during the campaign period.

So, Mr. Jonathan should come to our aide and look into the $200 million grant that he promised entertainment industry.Stakeholders stated

Even though he answered all the questions,comments and motions as he could,Mr. Douglas did not visit Nollywood film makers empty handed as bundles of money packed in “Ghana-must-go” bags exchanged hands in the venue.

We reliably gathered that these Nollywood stars got N200,000 each for supporting fuel subsidy removal.Those present at this close door meeting between federal government of Nigeria and Nollywood stakeholders include;President of Association of Movie Producers,Zik Zulu Okafor,President of Actors’ Guild of Nigeria,Segun Arinze,Zeb Ejiro,Chico Ejiro,Frank Dallas,Mathias Obahiagbon,Peace Anyiam Osigwe,Paul Obazele,Fidelis Duker,Chike Bryan,Sunny Mcdon,Abubakar Yakubu,Rita Dominic,Monalisa Chinda,Florence Onuma,Charles Novia,Fred Amata,Zack Orji,Chairman Actors’ Guild of Nigeria Board of Trustees,Ifeanyi dike,Emma Ogugua,and many others.

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OccupyNigeria: Desmond Elliot addresses bad leadership on twitter

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D'Banj Finally Opens Up On Attack By Fans, Says I Feel Pains Of The Masses

Just some days ago, NEWSMEN broke a story on 'Fans Attack D'Banj For Shooting Oliver Twist Video While Not Joining Nigerians In Protest'.

The story, which was hotly reacted to, has generated lots of reactions and debates in the entertainment industry. 

Diverse views has been seen to the story, as the Kokomaster, as D'Banj is also called, has been alleged by some who reacted to the story of not to being sensitive to the plights of Nigerians, some of who are his fans, on the removal of fuel subsidy by his friend, President Jonathan. 

In a response to the heated controversies the story has generated, the Koko Lounge boss reacted to the story this way," Ok so I haven't said anything about the subsidy because, just like every Nigerian citizens, I am as surprised as we all are." Pointing out further, the Sagamu indegene said, "yes I supported Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) openly and fully, but I haven't been made the special adviser to the president on youths. 

All I can say about the Subsidy is the obvious truth that my fans, friends, family and we the masses are the ones feeling the pain now," D'Banj concluded. The announcement of the removal of fuel subsidy has caused protests accross the country. 

The labour has also as a result, called on an nationwide indefinite strike, which started today. The House of Representatives has also called on President Jonathan to suspend the removal, After it had an emergency meeting yesterday

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Fuel subsidy removal: Nigerian musician Flavour Nabania goes to concert on a bicycle (photo)

Why some stars like Shan George, Segun Arinze and their likes continue to support the president and his fuel subsidy removal, celebrities like Flavour Nabania, and his likes are doing whatever they can – including lending their voices and images – to show support for the suffering masses.

Flavour on a bike may sound and look funny, but it sure sends a powerful message.

Thanks to Flavour for standing with the people.

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Fans Attack D'Banj For Shooting 'Oliver Twist' Video While Not Joining Nigerians In Protest

'I go vote for Goodluck Jona, na the right man we need, to make us succeed, oh ha, ... Jona, Jonah my friend, he is good for Nigeria, Bobo to good o, o nice o, o ni luck o...'

The above is excerpt of lyrics of Dapo Oyebanjo's, who is well known as D'Banj, campaign song for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) during the 2011 elections.

President Jonathan on January 1, 2012 announced the total removal of fuel subsidy by his government.

This announcement has been greeted with wide public outcry and protests by Nigerians both in and outside the country. It has created tension in the polity since then.

At the first protest held in Lagos earlier this week, artistes like Banky W, Eldee, Seun Kuti, and other came out to protest the government's stand on the matter. Hours later, D'Banj's boss, Don Jazzy made his mind known by regretting voting for GEJ as the country's President.

It was a big shock to the fans of the Kokomaster, as D'Banj is fondly called, when Mohits' video director, Sesan tweeted, 'D'Banj Oliver Twist video shoot tomorrow, it is going to be CRAZY.'

This infuriated a fan who quickly replied, 'you(Sesan) and D'Banj are mad, despite the brouhaha in the country, [you are shooting a video].

At least, D'Banj na (is his) son. Another fan asked, 'is D'Banj not a Nigerian'?

Speaking with Newsmen, a top artiste who prefers to be anonymous said, 'I can't speak for him, but he should know that this present issue is very delicate.

I saw the way people reacted to your previous stories on this issue about Don Jazzy and Genevieve bearing their minds, the people are emotional about it. So, they expect us (the celebs) to be on their side.'

The support of GEJ at the election by D'Banj and other top Nigerian celebrities had been called to question by some Nigerians. Some believed it was just like the Abacha for president rally of the 90's.

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Genevieve Nnaji opinion on the removal of fuel subsidy

Genevieve Nnaji came out to endorse president Goodluck Jonathan's decision to throw Nigerians into hardship by increasing the price of fuel in the country, she tweeted thus:

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Fuel Subsidy? P-Square's Peter Okoye Abandon his Lamborghini

Fuel Scarcity abi na Fuel Subsidy? Peter Okoye Can no longer drive his Lamborghini as usual, News reaching me suggests he has since sought for cheaper alternatives after uncle Jonah announced Fuel Subsidy.

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