Veteran musician, Paul Play I.K Dairo, has said he fears that Nigeria may disintegrate because of the marginalisation of the Igbo ethnic group in the country.
Paul Play said this in a post on social media as Nigerian political parties prepare to elect their flagbearers for the 2023 presidential election.
“I love Nigeria. I’ve lived in it most of my life. My fear is if the marginalisation of Igbos continues, we may not have this country in some years to come,” he wrote.
The singer also spoke about the love his music career had gotten from the different regions and tribes in the country.
He said, “I love this country. I can never choose another country over my country. I am Yoruba but I love all Nigerians, no matter the tribe.
“My career enjoyed more patronage in the East, South and North, more than in the West where I am from. I am grateful for the opportunities all Nigerians gave me to have a shot at stardom and popularity.
“I don’t take that for granted. In fact, I remain grateful for the rest of my life.
“However, truth must be told without fear or favour, without care about whose ox is gored. I know some will come out and say this should not be on the basis of tribe. Yes, but I analyse issues by putting myself in the shoes of those who feel cheated.”
He went on to describe the Nigerians who do not believe that the Igbo deserve a shot at leadership as selfish and unreasonable.
Paul Play said, “Whoever calls himself a Nigerian and feels the Igbos do not deserve a shot is just being selfish and unreasonable. The signs are being written on the wall but we keep thinking the terror now growing in the East will die down or will go away. Hmmm. I hope I’m wrong because this peace won’t be for long.
“I come in peace. I believe in equal rights and justice for all. GOD BLESS NIGERIA. Sorry GOD HAS ALREADY BLESSED NIGERIA. It’s up to me and you not to ‘UNBLESS’ IT. Shalom.”
