In response to the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, several Nigerian celebrities have voiced their opinions and support for the cause, calling for peace and change amidst growing unrest.
The protests, which have spread across multiple states, have unfortunately led to clashes between police and local miscreants in some states including Niger, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, and Borno.
Despite the deployment of tear gas by police to disperse the crowds, the movement has gained significant attention both on the protest ground and also on social media, with influential figures joining the conversation.
Here is a list of some prominent Nigerian celebrities who have reacted to the nationwide protests:
RealWarriPikin
One celebrity who have received praise on social media is RealWarriPikin. The Nigerian female comedian not only voiced her support on social media but also took to the streets to join the protests.
Her active participation and vocal stance have been widely praised. In her series of Instagram stories, she urged for peaceful demonstrations and echoed the call for better governance.
Regina Daniels
Regina Daniels, a popular Nollywood actress and wife of popular Politician Ned Nwoko, also took to Instagram to share a heartfelt video, speaking on the importance of maintaining peace during the protests.
She acknowledged the widespread suffering and the legitimate reasons behind the demonstrations.
Regina said; “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 then continued saying; “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.”
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Omah Lay
Singer Omah Lay expressed his support for the movement by posting, “End Bad Governance in Nigeria,” on X. His brief but powerful message echoed the sentiments of many Nigerians who are calling for significant governmental changes.
Iyabo Ojo
Actress Iyabo Ojo shared her concerns on Instagram, condemning the violence and urging for peaceful protests. In her posts, she called on President Tinubu and the police to allow protesters to demonstrate peacefully.
“@officialasiwajubat, please, sir, kindly speak to your men to caution their men. Allow a peaceful protest. Thank you. #peacefulprotest is their right,” she wrote. She also encouraged her followers to maintain peace during the protests.
Tonto Dikeh
Actress and politician Tonto Dikeh released a press statement on Instagram, calling for peaceful coexistence and dialogue. Her statement addressed the hardships faced by many Nigerians and the need for their voices to be heard.
“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,” the statement read.
Kate Henshaw
Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw used X to share her thoughts during the protests, criticizing the leadership and expressing solidarity with her fellow citizens.
“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!!” she wrote, highlighting the frustration and anger felt by many Nigerians.
