Nigerian actor and activist, Mr. Macaroni has criticized former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike for his disrespectful remarks while addressing citizens, calling for greater humility from public officials.
Taking to X on October 29, 2024, Mr. Macaroni reacted to the viral video of Wike addressing citizens and expressed his anger concerning the way public officials treat their citizens.
“Nigerian politicians lack regard for Nigerians, and this is because they have never been accountable to the people. The other day the FCT Minister was addressing some Nigerians and he said; ‘are you stupid, is it because I came down to talk to you’.
“You are a civil servant!!! What do you mean by ‘Is it because I came down to talk to you’. You are talking to the people that pay your salary!!!”
Mr. Macaroni
The actor addressed the public servants in power, reminding them of their responsibility to serve the people and not vice versa. He said, “Whatever privileges your office allows you is as a function of your service to the people!!! You work for the people and not the other way around.”
He maintained that Nigerian Politicians should accord citizens some respect when addressing them [Nigerians].
“Arrogance has no place in public office!!! Nigeria is not a private entity. Your duty is to serve!!! You are not anybody’s chairman. So next time any Nigerian Politician is addressing the people, please remind them that they are speaking to the people they are serving, not their followers.”
Mr. Macaroni
In another post, he addressed Wike directly, stressing the need for respect when addressing his citizens.
“Dear @GovWike, you are a PUBLIC SERVANT! Next time you want to address the citizens who pay your salary, do so with utmost humility and respect. Never go about asking Nigerians if they are stupid… you are not doing anyone a favor by being a Minister!!! ‘Is it because I came down to talk to you’ lol… You must think you are talking to your slaves.”
Mr. Macaroni
Mr. Macaroni Recounts Ordeal With Police
The Nigerian comedian opened up about his frightening experience back in 2020 when he was arrested by law enforcement during the ENDSARS protests.
The comic recalled his experience at the hands of the police during his detention.
“I feel I should be involved because God has given me the platform today, not to be popular, but so that I can use the platform to speak up for those that cannot speak for themselves. How can I ask others to make sacrifices that I am not willing to make.”
Mr. Macaroni
He stressed that the popular skit he made after his release, which was based on his experience, did not scratch the surface of what he and others endured. “Trust me, that skit does not do justice to what we went through in that place,” he explained.
The comedian revealed how he was stripped naked and molested, adding that they [torture guys] were happy and it was a thing of joy for them to do that.
“I had to do it that way so that people could still watch; I was completely naked. It was after that moment and after these guys tortured me that I saw the hate in their eyes. I saw how angry they were at me and they did.
“I’m sure that if I was not released, they could have done more. They were like, ‘Macaroni, you’re the one who loves to talk,’ and they were mentioning names. I’m still angry at certain names, and I made these things clear.”
Mr. Macaroni
Mr. Macaroni noted that after the experience, he became fearless in his fight against oppression and police brutality, which the ENDSARS movement was founded upon, stating that he used to be afraid before. “Now people see me and are like, ‘You’re very courageous, but I used to be scared. These people can just decide one day to kill someone,” he said.
READ ALSO: Domelevo Urges Stronger Institutional Oversight to Curb Fiscal Irregularities
