Mr P apologises over ‘who Nigerian language help?’ comment after backlash

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Nigerian music star Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has apologised for his controversial remarks about Nigerian languages after facing widespread criticism on social media.

The former P-Square member came under fire after replying to a social media user who asked whether his children, who speak French fluently, could also communicate in Igbo.

Responding to the question, Mr P wrote, “Who Naija language help?”, a statement that many Nigerians interpreted as disrespectful to indigenous languages and culture.

In a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, the singer expressed regret over the backlash, explaining that his comments had been misunderstood.

He stressed that he never intended to belittle Nigerian languages or the country’s rich cultural heritage.

“If my response to ‘Who Naija language help?’ upset some people, I apologise and take full responsibility for my words. That doesn’t mean I hate Nigerian languages or our culture.”

He explained that the controversy stemmed from what he described as an innocent post about his children’s ability to speak French, which made him consider buying a home in Paris.

According to him, he never singled out the Igbo language or culture, stressing that he was referring broadly to Nigeria’s many indigenous languages.

“At no point did I say I hate the Igbo language or Igbo culture. I said ‘Naija language,’ referring to the different languages in Nigeria, but some individuals twisted it and made it seem like I specifically mentioned Igbo. I didn’t.”

While reiterating that he accepted responsibility for the reaction his comments generated, Mr P accused his twin brother, Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy, of exploiting the controversy to tarnish his image.

He alleged that Rudeboy deliberately twisted his remarks and had repeatedly seized opportunities to criticise him publicly.

“But again, bro, you’re at it again, using this moment as another opportunity to pull me down. Just like I wrote in my open letter two years ago, doing everything possible to make people hate me will never work,” he wrote.

“Yes, people are dragging me over my statement, and that’s okay. We all have moments where our words can be misunderstood or where we could have expressed ourselves better. I accept that. But deliberately twisting my words and using petty tactics to damage my reputation says a lot.”

Mr P also claimed that Rudeboy had previously mocked him for dancing at his age, adding that he was tired of remaining silent whenever he came under attack.

“I don’t know why you look for every opportunity to make derisive comments or jump on the bandwagon whenever I’m being attacked… At this point, I think it’s only fair I start giving the same energy I receive. No more Mr. Nice Guy.”

“It’s aura for aura, Egusi for Egusi, Oha for Oha,” he added.