On August 1, 2024, Nigerians took to the streets to protest against bad governance, marking the beginning of a nationwide demonstration.
However, the peaceful protests were marred by clashes between police and local miscreants in several states, including Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Borno. The police responded by deploying tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Despite the challenges, the protests have dominated social media conversations, with many influential Nigerians sharing their thoughts on the matter.
Nigerian celebrities have also weighed in on the issue, expressing their support for the protesters and their demands for better governance.
The protests have brought attention to the widespread discontent among Nigerians regarding the country’s governance.
The use of tear gas and clashes with police have raised concerns about the safety of protesters, but the demonstrations continue to gain momentum.
As the situation unfolds, Nigerians remain united in their call for change and improved governance.
Here are the reactions of some Nigerian celebrities to ongoing nationwide protest:
Mr. Macaroni
“Never ceases to amaze me that you would rarely find the police preventing citizens from being harmed or find them at locations where properties are being destroyed or looted. But you will find them in their battalion; arresting, beating and throwing tear gas at those walking peacefully on the streets, singing and carrying placards. So what ever happened to the primary responsibility of protecting lives and properties?
Everybody know Wetin dem dey do.”
Vector Tha Viper
“My stance with the people remains…
#EndBadGovernace so that the people will stop having a reason to run away to worlds where something a simple as skin color is a problem; you are in office for them.”
In another post he wrote:
History will not be kind to me if honesty doesn’t reign; I have no hopes for historical eventualities…i am with my people because i don’t have a better choice otherwise, many Nigerians are not worth the sacrifice.
Kate Henshaw
Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw took to X during the protest to encourage her fellow citizens.
She wrote: “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!!”
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 in part.
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 by posting,
“End Bad Governance in Nigeria.”
Iyabo Ojo
Actress Iyabo Ojo spoke out against the violence that occurred during the nationwide protests in Nigeria on August 1, 2024. On Instagram, she shared posts showing the clashes and appealed to President Tinubu and the police to permit the protesters to demonstrate peacefully, without hindrance or aggression.
She wrote:”@officialasiwajubat, please, sir, kindly speak to your men to caution their men. Allow a peaceful protest. Thank you. #peacefulprotest is their right.”
She also made another post urging her followers to protest peacefully
Tonto Dikeh
Actress and politician Tonto Dikeh issued a statement on Instagram, urging for peaceful coexistence, calm protests, and constructive dialogue amidst the ongoing demonstrations in Nigeria.
The statement reads:
“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, with the NATIONWIDE PROTEST achieving its goals through adherence. I hereby call for peaceful coexistence, peaceful protest, and dialogue.”
