Nollywood actor Olaide Olabanji has criticised some of his colleagues for supporting politicians who, according to him, have contributed little or nothing to Nigeria’s development.
He made the remarks in an Instagram video on Thursday while raising concerns about the wellbeing of Nigerians, particularly ailing celebrities and the state of the country’s healthcare system.
Condemning actors who fail to use their platforms to speak against bad governance, Olaide, who declined to mention names, warned that their children would also suffer the consequences if they failed to join other Nigerians in holding the government accountable.
He also criticised unnamed actors who allegedly helped politicians distribute rice and beans during election campaigns, questioning what they had achieved with the money they were paid during the 2023 general elections.
“Don’t destroy people’s lives because of what you are benefiting from bad leaders. Those who supported bad leaders in the past are responsible for the hardship that Nigerians are going through today.
“We contributed to where Nigeria is today. Yet, we keep supporting evil. Many Nollywood stars are on sick beds today because of nonchalant behaviour. Many of us have the opportunity to speak truth to power, but we refuse to do so simply because of our stomach infrastructure.
“If many of us had been telling our government the truth, it’s possible they would have provided Nigerians with good hospitals by now. If we had good governance, Nigeria should have different hospitals capable of treating various illnesses without people travelling abroad for treatment.
“Nigeria deserves a good health system, good electricity supply, good roads and adequate security. Many of the bad leaders that you are supporting today don’t receive treatment in Nigerian hospitals. They travel abroad with their children and family members for medical treatment. They travel abroad for common headaches with our resources.
“Where can we travel to when we fall sick? If any actor is sick, we come to social media to seek financial support for them. Is it supposed to be so? Tell Nigerian leaders the truth. The citizens are hungry, there is hardship in Nigeria, yet you fail to speak up because of your stomach infrastructure.
“Many Nigerians are sick without access to good hospitals, yet you keep supporting the people who are destroying the country.
“We have seen actors sharing rice and beans for the government. They turned themselves into politicians’ slaves. Is the money they paid you in 2023 still useful to you today? Fuel is now N1,400, yet we keep supporting them. You forget that you have children.
“Can the money you received for the campaign build your children’s future?” he asked.