Nigerians have taken to social media to criticize Tonto Dikeh for undermining an upcoming nationwide strike aimed at protesting against the Nigerian government’s failure to address the economic challenges faced by the citizens.
In a post shared on Instagram, the actress advised Nigerians to reconsider the protest and explore alternative ways to express their grievances towards the government.
Dikeh attributed her stance to the tragic events of the End SARS protest, which resulted in the loss of lives and remains unresolved.
She suggested that forming a representative group to engage in direct negotiations with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be a more effective approach than staging a protest.
Here’s what she posted;
“Dear Fellow Nigerian Youths, I completely understand your frustrations and concerns regarding the current state of our nation. I know how disheartening it is to wake up and see that the price of almost everything in the market has increased by over 100%, even without any rise in our earnings.
“Many people working 9-5 jobs are now seeking alternative sources of income because a significant portion of what we earn is consumed by commuting and transportation costs due to the drastic increase in petrol prices, contributing to the high cost of living.
“However, I still believe that the approach of a nationwide protest from August 1-10, 2024, with the tag “End Bad Government in Nigeria 2024,” may not be the most effective method at this time. This suggestion is not meant to negate the effectiveness of protests or deprive youths of their civil rights.
“It is based on concern and experience with the last EndSARS protest, which was hijacked by ill-minded individuals to perpetrate evil at the expense of many youths’ lives, ultimately ruining the message and approach. Instead, I suggest we establish a representative group that can advocate on our behalf.
“This group could formally communicate with our President, requesting a meeting to voice our concerns and propose actionable solutions. Engaging in meaningful dialogue, advocacy, and community development initiatives can foster unity, progress, and prosperity.
“This economic burden affects us all, and it is essential to address these challenges through peaceful and diplomatic channels. Let us unite to build a better Nigeria.
“I encourage you to consider Better ways to make your voices heard and to work towards creating a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.”
However some Nigerians did not agree with her evidenced in the comments shared below:
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 c!vilized nation when a Government becomes incompetent the principal of the ruling body resigns. Tinubu must Go.
uchefrank26; 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.
stan_ike; 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.
majestyyvonne; 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 😢😢.”
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