By Milcah Tanimu
As the nationwide protests against bad governance commence on August 1, 2024, Nigerian celebrities have taken to social media to express their views and support for the cause. Here is how five prominent figures are reacting:
Regina Daniels
Nollywood actress Regina Daniels posted a video on Instagram, calling for peace during the protests. “Today is August 1, the first day of the national protests in Nigeria. We all know that the masses are suffering and want a better way of living, hence the protest. There is nothing wrong with protesting, but there is everything wrong with violence,” she said. “Once violence gets involved, it defeats the whole purpose of the protests. I urge everyone to try and make this protest as peaceful as possible.”
Omah Lay
Singer Omah Lay showed his support for the cause on X (formerly Twitter) by posting, “End Bad Governance in Nigeria.”
Iyabo Ojo
Actress Iyabo Ojo took to Instagram to condemn the violence that erupted during the protests. In a series of posts showing the clashes, she called on President Tinubu and the police to allow peaceful demonstrations. “@officialasiwajubat, please, sir, kindly speak to your men to caution their men. Allow a peaceful protest. Thank you. #peacefulprotest is their right,” she wrote, urging her followers to protest peacefully.
Tonto Dikeh
Actress and politician Tonto Dikeh posted a press statement on Instagram, advocating for peaceful coexistence and dialogue. “My heart goes out to everyone in a position where he or she cannot put food on the table for themselves or their families at this time and has to cry out in protest for their voices to be heard. Please know that your voices have been heard and your position noted. I hereby call for peaceful coexistence, peaceful protest, and dialogue.”
Kate Henshaw
Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw took to X to encourage her fellow citizens, writing, “This is the highest office in the land, but one person says he wants to eat and chop on the heads of the people… Crass and utterly despicable utterance!!”
These reactions highlight the widespread support and calls for peaceful protests amidst the ongoing demonstrations across Nigeria.
