Famous and often controversial street-pop artist Portable has waded into Nigeria’s complex national security conversation, delivering a passionate plea to citizens to halt the dangerous trend of ethnic profiling. The singer stressed that criminality should never be used to define an entire ethnic group, warning that sweeping generalizations put innocent lives at risk.
The Danger of Generalization
In a video that has fast gone viral, Portable spoke out against the common assumption that anyone wearing traditional Northern attire or belonging to the Fulani ethnic group is automatically associated with banditry. He emphasized that such bias is not only unfair but highly volatile.
“Please, let’s stop making mistakes by labelling all Fulani as bandits,” the singer urged. He pointed out that many Northern families traveling or living across Nigeria are ordinary, hardworking citizens trying to make an honest living.
A Multi-Ethnic Reality
To break down the stereotype, Portable highlighted the diverse roles that Northern citizens play in local economies. He noted that many are simply focusing on their livelihoods, which include:
- Rearing cattle and livestock
- Selling pepper, vegetables, and food staples
- Running small-scale trade and retail businesses
The artist also reminded Nigerians of the country’s interconnected nature, pointing out that just as there are numerous Fulani people peacefully residing in the South-West, thousands of Yoruba and Igbo traders have built successful lives in the North. He argued that coexistence should be protected rather than threatened by fear-mongering.
Criminality Has No Tribe
Addressing the core of the security challenge, Portable argued that law enforcement and public outrage should target actual perpetrators of crime rather than specific cultural groups. He maintained that criminals do not represent any single tribe.
“Let’s fight bandits. Let’s face bandits. It’s not about beating anyone you see that looks like Fulani,” Portable stated. He added that criminal syndicates operating in the country are diverse, comprising individuals from Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and Fulani backgrounds alike.
Mixed Reactions Ignite Online Debate
The singer’s remarks have sparked a flurry of reactions across social media platforms. While many commentators praised Portable for using his platform to promote unity and common sense, others raised concerns about the complexities of addressing rural banditry and the delicate nature of national security discussions.
Ultimately, Portable’s comments highlight an ongoing struggle within Nigeria: the critical need to maintain social cohesion and protect innocent citizens while actively combating insecurity across the federation.
Watch the video below..