Popular but controversial streamer, Peller, has recently sparked a heated debate after urging Nigerians to halt participation in the viral #30DayRants challenge on TikTok.
The challenge, which has gained massive traction on the platform, involves users voicing their frustrations about poor governance and societal issues in Nigeria over 30 consecutive days. Peller, however, expressed concerns that such widespread criticism could have unintended consequences, potentially drawing government scrutiny that might result in TikTok being banned in the country.
His stance has not only drawn intense backlash from the online community but has also reportedly led to him receiving death threats.
Since making his appeal, Peller has faced an avalanche of criticism, with many Nigerians accusing him of prioritizing his personal interests over the collective struggle against bad governance. Critics argue that the #30DayRants challenge is an important avenue for citizens to express their dissatisfaction with the state of the nation, and any attempt to stifle such conversations is seen as an endorsement of oppression.
Despite the backlash, Peller remains firm in his position, emphasizing that a ban on TikTok would negatively impact content creators, including himself, who rely on the platform for their livelihood.
He warned that if the government perceives the challenge as a threat, it could take drastic measures to restrict social media freedoms, similar to past incidents where platforms like Twitter were temporarily banned in Nigeria.
The situation escalated further during a recent livestream, where Peller revealed that he had started receiving direct threats to his life. He claimed that some individuals had warned him to be cautious about his movements, referencing a tragic incident involving another content creator, Oloba Salo.
According to Peller, the threats specifically mentioned that he could meet a similar fate as Salo, who was shot in the Lekki area of Lagos State last year.
This revelation has added a new layer of tension to an already volatile situation, raising concerns about the safety of digital influencers who engage in politically sensitive discussions.
During the livestream, Peller appeared visibly shaken as he addressed his audience about the threats. He lamented the level of hostility directed at him, emphasizing that his comments were not meant to suppress free speech but to protect the platform from potential government action.
He recounted how the threats had been delivered in ominous messages, warning him to “watch his back” whenever he steps outside.
The weight of the situation seemed to take a toll on him as he struggled to comprehend why his remarks had provoked such extreme reactions. He reiterated that his primary concern was safeguarding the digital space for creators but acknowledged that his views had not been well received.
Frustrated and seemingly overwhelmed, Peller abruptly ended the livestream with a final, exasperated statement. “What is all this? I’m not talking again. Goodbye,” he declared before signing off. His sudden exit left his audience in shock, with many speculating whether he would take a break from streaming or even reconsider his stance.
The incident has since fueled further conversations about free speech, online activism, and the risks faced by influencers who engage in politically charged topics.
As debates continue to rage, it remains to be seen how Peller will navigate the fallout from his controversial remarks and whether the threats against him will lead to any real-world consequences.
