‘Don’t let anyone drag you into politics’ — Senate president Akpabio tells Davido

80

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has advised Afrobeats musician Davido not to “allow anyone drag you into politics.”

During the ‘Assurance’ hitmaker’s Monday courtesy visit to Abuja, Akpabio offered the counsel.

Davido was commended by Akpabio for “making Nigeria proud within the international community” during the visit.

The government’s support for the expansion of the entertainment industry was also promised by the former governor of Akwa Ibom.

The Afrobeats musician was instructed by Akpabio to stay on his current course in the entertainment business and “not allow anybody to drag you into politics.”

The head of the Senate stated that while Davido is a supporter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), President Bola Tinubu’s current administration is willing to cooperate across party lines “for the benefit of the country.”

“You have made us very proud within the International Community. We will do everything possible to support the entertainment industry,” he said.

“For me and for the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, its an inclusive administration, and you must have noticed in my various outings, we move as one, across party lines.

“Even though your administration is a PDP one but we work across party lines for the interest of Nigeria. The only major thing that is common to all of us is the interest of this country and it is a country that has given you so much love.

“It is a country with a population that is unmatched anywhere else in Africa. Over 240 million Nigerians. So I want you to continue to remain a great Ambassador of our country. Don’t allow anybody to drag you into politics. Continue to do your best in the entertainment industry.

“For us in the political arena, we value talents and what God has given to you, nobody can take it away from you. We do everything possible to support the industry. To support talented people like you. All we need also is patience and prayers so that we can succeed.

“Please do your best to continue to maintain the high ethics. What is happening in America with some of the black stars is quite unfortunate. For most of you in the industry, do not allow peer group influence derail you. Continue to do your best.

“The entertainment industry is like a pyramid. You start from the ground until you get there. When you are on top, your own is how to remain there. So anybody who walks on a tight rope must learn how to do the balancing act. And so, your job is to remain there.

“Our prayers is that God should sustain you there and continue to give you more wisdom and more talent for you to continue to make Nigeria proud. We are very proud of you.”

Davido, on his part, appreciated the senate president for his gesture while reiterating his efforts to “help the society”.

The 31-year-old, who was in the company of Tunji and Folasade Adeleke, his cousins, also announced that his fifth album will be released in June or July.

“As for me, I am doing my part. I have a Foundation. Every year, I share N300 million, N400 million to orphanages. Just doing my own part to assist the society. We have new album coming out June or July. I just thank you for everything you have been doing for us,” Davido said.

In 2022, Davido revealed that he would not stay away from politics because “It’s in my blood”.