Veteran Nigerian rapper and social crusader Eedris Abdulkareem has accused northern Nigerian leaders of being responsible for the country’s descent into chaos.
He made these remarks during an appearance on a TV show on Thursday morning, discussing the topic, “Engaging the Government through Music.”
Eedris condemned what he described as the “wickedness” of northern political and religious elites, arguing that “80% of the leaders in the north and 80% of the religious leaders are so wicked. They think about their pockets alone.”
The afrobeat musician was outrage over Boko Haram’s control of “about 57 local governments in different states in the north.” He accused politicians like Ali Modu Sherrif and Nasir El-Rufai of complicity in the rise of Boko Haram.
“When the Boko Haram situation started, Ali Modu Sherrif was named to be part of those who brought these people. Even El-Rufai, during Goodluck Jonathan’s time, was also named to be part of those who made all these people come into Nigeria,” he alleged.
Eedris believes political manipulation has spiraled into an uncontrollable security disaster. He said, “They brought them in. Goodluck Jonathan allowed them to take the power. Now the terrorists decided to stay in Nigeria. They’re all over our forest.”
Addressing Critics
Eedris responded to critics who questioned his silence during Buhari’s administration. He said, “I keep hearing people saying ‘why didn’t I hear a song during Buhari government?’… For goodness sake, kindly go online and type ‘Lord of Jagajaga’. The Lord of Jagajaga is President Muhammadu Buhari.”
He added, “If you are playing tribal card, please go and sit back, relax somewhere. You don’t know exactly what you are saying. You must be one of those slaves who’s just happy because of the crumbs that you’re getting. People are dying for goodness sake.”
What Needs To Be Done
Eedris urged northern youth to resist manipulation by religious leaders. He said, “The kings will come out and tell them that God have asked me to tell you all to do this and do that. No, follow your instinct, follow your mind…”
He also reserved harsh words for elite northern families who discourage public education while sending their children abroad. “These individuals are telling you that education is haram… But they are sending their own children to the best universities in America, in the UK, and all over the world.”
He called on youth to prioritize education and self-reliance. He said, “Start thinking how to take care of your own children, let them go to school… instead of going to do that and collecting mudus of rice all the time.”
Eedris Abdulkareem’s bold message may be a rallying cry for change. His words, if they’re hearing him, could challenge a generation in the north to confront the structures that perpetuate poverty, ignorance, and violence in their region.
Like 👍, Comment, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.
