Cubana Chiefpriest Defends Kneeling Before Tinubu and Shettima, Says Criticism Is A Sign of His Rising Star

 

Popular Nigerian businessman and nightlife entrepreneur, Cubana Chiefpriest, has sparked another wave of online conversations after responding to the criticism trailing his recent act of kneeling to greet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

His action, which took place during a high-profile public event, was met with backlash from a segment of social media users who questioned the gesture, describing it as subservient and politically motivated. Many critics argued that his public show of reverence was unnecessary, especially given the controversial and polarized political atmosphere surrounding the current administration.

Far from being cowed by the negative feedback, Cubana Chiefpriest — real name Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu — took to Instagram to fire back at his detractors. In his post, he passionately defended his decision while turning the criticism into what he described as fuel for his own ambition.

Rather than expressing regret, the socialite pointed out a perceived hypocrisy among his critics. He noted that many of the same people who previously insulted Tinubu and Shettima before they assumed leadership are now offended by his show of respect. According to him, the outrage has less to do with the act of kneeling and more to do with envy toward his growing influence and proximity to power.

"All of a sudden, dem don love me so much that they are so hurt that CP knelt down for Presidency," he wrote. "Well, me I know say no be wetin dey really pain una. Wetin dey pain una be say why is it always CP?"

He suggested that his detractors are more disturbed by his prominence and consistency in the spotlight than by the specific incident at hand. The businessman went on to compare the current backlash to the public resistance Tinubu and Shettima once faced, emphasizing that ridicule can often precede elevation.

"Na so una abuse them till they became the presidency, na so una go abuse me till I become wetin dey my mind to become," he declared. "Una abuse na blessings in disguise. I understand this game now better."

Cubana Chiefpriest also took a swipe at those who, in his words, "show fake love, shower fake praises and overhype," insisting that such individuals never win in the long run. His loyalty to the presidency, he added, is not mere fanfare but a deliberate alignment with leadership and national progress.

"I feel super comfortable on the feet of Asiwaju/Shettima. Don’t forget the symbol is the broom. Together, they can never break us," he emphasized, reinforcing his commitment to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), whose political symbol is the broom.

He concluded his statement with a bold declaration of purpose and determination, vowing to keep evolving despite the criticisms.

“On your mandate, PBAT [President Bola Ahmed Tinubu], CP shall kneel, stand, walk, work, dance, sleep, grow and explore,” he wrote, signing off with his signature phrase, "#CpNoSmall."

Cubana Chiefpriest, known for his larger-than-life persona and flamboyant social presence, remains a significant influence within Nigeria’s celebrity and hospitality circles. His response not only addresses the criticism but repositions it as a catalyst for his personal and professional aspirations.

By turning controversy into narrative power, he reinforces a growing trend among public figures who leverage public scrutiny to amplify their personal brands — blending loyalty, ambition, and calculated media visibility into a potent mix of modern-day influence.