An old tweet from Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has resurfaced, stirring discussions about his perceived inconsistency regarding activism.
The tweet expresses his unwavering support for Nigerians during the police brutality crisis surrounding the End SARS protests, where he wrote: “It is really crazy what’s still going on out there in Nigeria … RIP to lives lost and strength to those still fighting for justice… God be with you #EndSARS.”
However, this resurfacing comes in light of Sarkodie’s silence regarding the recent mishandling and confinement of protesters involved in the anti-galamsey protests in Ghana.
Critics are using this tweet to highlight what they view as hypocrisy, questioning why he has remained quiet about similar injustices occurring within his own country.
The juxtaposition of his passionate plea for justice in Nigeria against his current silence on local issues has led many to call out the rapper for a perceived double standard.
As tensions rise over the handling of the anti-galamsey protests, Sarkodie finds himself at the center of a growing debate about accountability and the role of public figures in addressing social issues.
The #EndSARS movement in Nigeria gained significant attention in October 2020 when protests erupted against police brutality, particularly targeting the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit notorious for human rights abuses.
The protests were marked by widespread participation, particularly among young Nigerians, who called for the disbandment of SARS and broader police reforms.
However, the protests were met with a heavy-handed response from the government. On October 20, 2020, during a protest at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, security forces opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in numerous casualties.
The exact number of deaths is disputed, but reports suggest that at least a dozen people were killed, and many more were injured. This incident heightened international outrage and condemnation, leading to calls for accountability and justice.
Following the protests, the Nigerian government announced the disbandment of SARS, but many activists and organizations argued that this was merely a superficial measure.
Protests continued, with demands shifting towards broader systemic reforms, addressing issues such as corruption, bad governance, and improved public services.
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