Young Nigerians on social media have descended heavily on Nollywood actress cum politician, Tonto Dikeh for opposing the EndBadGovernance nationwide protest scheduled to hold from August 1-10, 2024, urging them to consider negotiation with the Federal Government.
Taking to her Instagram page, Tonto Dikeh expressed understanding of the widespread frustration and economic hardships Nigerians are currently facing, including a significant increase in market prices.
The actress, however, acknowledged the difficulties many citizens endure but advised that a nationwide protest might not be the most effective way to address the issues.
She said her reasons were coined from the experiences during the EndSARS protests, where she claimed that ill-minded individuals hijacked the movement, leading to violence and loss of lives.
Tonto Dikeh proposed an alternative approach: forming a representative group to negotiate directly with President Bola Tinubu.
She emphasized the need for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to address the economic challenges faced by the country.
Her post reads: “Sometimes we can be right, but our mode of expression is what matters. This is an honest plea to all Nigerian youths. Let’s make smart choices.”
Her statement has however garnered strong criticism from many Nigerians on social media stating that her call for dialogue is a distraction from the urgent need for direct action.
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They voiced concerns that the proposed representatives could be susceptible to corruption and fail to address the real issues facing ordinary citizens.
arlwright77 said: “So unfortunate people have to settle for less while the political elites continues to have their way. A government that promised Nigerians good life, sweet governance and in less than one year Nigerians have faced the worst hardship ever and all you could advise is dialogue. Dialogue for what and what exactly?. In a civilized nation when a Government becomes incompetent the principal of the ruling body resigns. Tinubu must Go.”
uchefrank26 asked: “What do you really understand about what the common man in the street faces. Have u right now stayed for a whole week without food to eat or how to feed your family? Mtcheww.”
majestyyvonne said: “Weldone ma’am u try but this time around we won’t let it go its time to #endbadgovernanceinnigeria .and many would die.if I die I die God know we are tired.i speak on behalf of millions of Nigerians with disabilities. We don’t have jobs we can’t buy food and this government hasn’t put anything for people like us.we are tired of suffering .”
nelly2special said: “I really want bad governance to end I have all my family members here in naija .. but sadly I support kingtonto on this one there are people waiting to jeopardize this peaceful protest
I lost 2 friends during endsars I am scared for everyone waiting and preparing to embark on this journey .I want to join but I deyy fear of the outcome.
“If we still agree to go ahead with this peaceful protest Please everyone should be on guard and be his/her brother/sister keeper .
“#endbadgovernanceinnigeria.”
therealestatepilot said: “We don’t want dialogue!!! Person dey work person but e be like person no dey work .” ….Abeg.”
stan_ike said: “See am now, she just join ACP last year and now she’s telling us that protest is not the best approach knowing fully well that government won’t dialog with you without any movement. Since you joined ACP, how many times have you sit with our president to discuss our current hardship, how many times have wrote an open letter to the president, you better do what you like and allow other people do theirs.”
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