Several musicians have voiced their support for the recent actions taken by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enforce the prohibition on the misuse of the Naira currency.
Last Friday, popular cross dresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, received a six-month prison sentence without the option of a fine for violating the Naira abuse law.
Similarly, on Wednesday, socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, was granted bail of N10 million after pleading ‘not guilty’ to charges of Naira abuse.
In an interview with PUNCH, some of indigenous artists, including Wasiu Alabi (Pasuma), Saheed Osupa, and Adewale Ayuba, expressed their approval of the enforcement, emphasizing the importance of respecting the nation’s currency.
Pasuma said spraying money on musicians is a cherished aspect of African celebrations, yet the mistreatment or damage of currency occurs when money is thrown or stepped on, shortening its lifespan.
“I want to believe that there is a difference between spraying a musician money, and mutilating naira notes.
“Spraying a musician money is an inseparable part of our African culture during celebrations. Meanwhile, abuse or mutilation of currencies has to do with throwing money around and stepping on them, thus reducing their lifespan.
“Right from the onset, I have never been a fan of naira abuse. I don’t like it when people throw money around on my stage. It is a sign of disrespect to the artiste and the currency itself.
“If you watch my stage performances, you will see that I have a box where people put money when they want to appreciate my work. And, that was even before this naira abuse campaign started. I think that is the right and respectful manner to treat the artiste and the naira.
“So, the war against naira spraying has not affected my performances and earnings as a law-abiding citizen that I am.”
Osupa on his part said many individuals simply engage in money spraying as a form of ostentation adding their intent is not genuine, but rather driven by a desire to taunt others.
“People no longer spray money at my shows. They just drop money in a box that is provided on stage. So, I cannot say it has affected me badly. We still make money the way we made it before. The only difference is that people don’t spray the money again.
“Most people just use spraying money to show off. Many of them don’t really want to spray that money, they just want to spite some people. Also, there are times that those who spray money don’t really spend much, they just make it look as if they are spraying a lot. However, it is when they put money in the box that we actuually make more money. Some people also make bank transfers.
“Squandering of money has never made sense to me. But, it (spraying of money) is part of our culture, and it has been with us for long. However with that practice, someone that did not have money might start thinking of different things whenever they saw the way some people were spraying money. And, that could eventually Iead them into dabbling into what they shouldn’t do. On that account, the enforcement against the abuse of the naira is good, but the government has taken it too seriously. They should have created more sensitisation.”he added
Ayuba on his part said the issue with money spraying arises from how certain individuals mishandle the currency, such as by tossing it, hurling it into a crowd, stepping on it, and treating it disrespectfully.
“The problem with spraying money is the way some people handle the currency by flinging it, throwing it to a crowd, stepping on it, and treating it like trash. That is ridiculous, and I don’t support it. The new enforcement drive by the government won’t affect me, because whenever I am performing, I have a box where people can put the money they want to spray me.
“What the government is say is that people should not abuse our currency; they are not saying that people should not spend money on artistes. Government is only telling citizens to respect our currency, because it is part of our identity as a nation.”
“In the United States of America, they often say, ‘God bless America’. We should be saying things like that too. The power of life and death is in the tongue. And, we need to speak positive things about our country.
“It is better to talk to some of the artistes to sentise people, because spraying money is part of our culture, and it will take time to reorientate people.”
