Mark Angel Urges Rivers Youths To Shun Protests Over State Of Emergency

Popular comedian and content creator, Mark Angel, has called on residents of Rivers State, particularly the youths, to avoid participating in protests over the State of Emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, the President announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The Federal Government also appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.) as an Administrator to manage the state’s affairs for the next six months.

The controversial decision has triggered mixed reactions nationwide, with some groups reportedly planning protests against the President’s move.

However, in a video message shared via his Instagram page, Mark Angel emphasized that the ongoing crisis is a conflict between the Federal Government and the Rivers State Government, urging the people to stay away from any form of protest.

“My fellow Rivers State people and all residents of the state, especially youths, this matter that’s going on in the state, is not your business. It’s government vs government,” Mark Angel stated.

“Government said they have an agreement with the other government and one party betrayed the other. It’s a personal beef. But because they have the power to change anything, let them change whatever they want to change. What I want you to know is that this fight is not your fight.”

Opinion: An Appeal for Peace or Complacency?

Mark Angel’s message seems to echo the sentiments of many Nigerians who feel helpless about the political turmoil gripping the country. His call for residents to stay away from protests can be interpreted as a plea for peace and stability, especially when he stressed that the “fight” is not theirs to engage in.

However, his assertion that the people should be indifferent to how the crisis unfolds raises a troubling question: Should citizens remain passive when political decisions impact their lives directly?

Mark Angel’s perspective also highlights a broader issue in Nigerian politics — disconnection and disillusionment. When he remarked, “We predicted this in our skits but they thought it was a joke and now it’s happening,” he may have been hinting at how satire often reflects reality.

Furthermore, by declaring, “Even if they want military to rule us for 10 years, it’s okay as long as we can go about our businesses peacefully,” Mark Angel suggests a prioritization of peace over democratic processes. It’s a statement that may raise eyebrows, especially among those who believe that silence in the face of political oppression is a dangerous compromise.

But the comedian’s point about the hypocrisy of political leaders is also valid. How many of them genuinely have the people's interests at heart? The people of Rivers State deserve peace, but they also deserve accountability.

Ultimately, the decision to protest or remain passive is a personal one. However, Mark Angel’s plea reminds everyone that power struggles should not rob citizens of their right to live peacefully.