2 face Protest: You Can ’ t Change The System , Unless You’ re Part Of It – PMAN Reacts To Cancelled March

President of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria
(PMAN), Hon. Keston Okoro, has reacted to the cancelled
nationwide protest planned by Tuface Idibia and the
brewing bad-blood between some musicians in the
country and the government.
Hon. Okoro told DAILY POST correspondent he believes
musicians hold the power to inspire change in the society
but he would not subscribe to distancing oneself from the
government or engaging in open confrontation with those
in governance to compel a change in policy as
demonstrated by Afrobeat musician, Dede Mabiaku; and
multiple award-winning music legend, Tuface Idibia in the
past few days.
He stated this when our correspondent spoke to him to
get his views on the ongoing schisms between some
artistes and the government.
The PMAN President said: “If you heard my presentation
on the day I was elected, I did tell the house that the first
thing I want to do is to have a meeting with the Senate
president, Bukola Saraki; the Inspector-General of Police,
Ibrahim Kpotum Idris; the Director of State Security
Service, Mallam Daura; and the President, Muhammadu
Buhari.
“The reason is this; if you’re not in the system, you can’t
change the system.
“On the issue of the canceled protest, if you want to
protect your interest and see changes in your welfare and
in your environment, you have to stay close to the
government to be able to tell them this and that are not
fair. Not by fighting the government or alienating yourself
from the powers that be.
“The fifth President of America once said: “The future of a
nation depends on providing our children basic education
that includes music.” That is to show you how powerful
music is. Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Donald Duke and a
host of other world leaders were musicians.
“So instead of fighting the government or protesting
against the government, we’ll find a way to tell Mr.
President that musicians are partners in the quest for
good governance, because music has the power inspire
change, music is life itself.”