by Alexander O. Onukwue

Hushpuppi has gate-crashed the internet for 48 hours with his jabs at Ice Prince and Phyno. Reactions have come from all sides, from supporters and opposers alike, the majority of opinions targeting Hushpuppi to declare his assets.

It is only a coincidence, but Hushpuppi’s new act for social attention has coincided well with the declaration of the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

The scheme was launched on Thursday, June 29, 2017, as a means of encouraging individuals to willingly declare their legitimate incomes and file appropriate tax returns within the next nine months period. In declaring VAIDS through an Executive Order, Osinbajo noted that “‎despite having some of Africa’s wealthiest people whose lifestyles are the subject of global discussion, only 214 Nigerians pay taxes of N20 million or more each year”. The Acting President stated that there was a need to “change our way of paying tax. Tax evasion is not just a civil matter but is also a crime.”

The announcement from the Presidency was followed few hours later by the spat between Hushpuppi and the music artistes. In a response that sounded very much like he had watched the news, KCee asked if the Gucci aficionado had “taxable income”, which would mean that he had a legitimate business that provides him with the kind of lifestyle he flaunts on social media.

To be sure, Hushpuppi is under no pressure to let anyone know how he makes his living, and perhaps we can admit that he really does not have to prove it. But can we just imagine that he identifies with the VAIDS initiative of the Government and lands a REAL endorsement rather than seeking the attention of Gucci which he many probably never get?

The socialite, if he wants to be taken seriously, should come forward and prove where his money comes from. If you think you are better than those who eat fried yam, at least show us your barn, or something better.

Editor