Tonto Dikeh, a Nollywood actress and politician, has caused a firestorm of controversy online after urging Nigerians to reconsider their plans for a nationwide protest from August 1 to 10, 2024.

Tonto Dikeh took to Instagram to convey her sympathy of Nigerians’ widespread frustration and economic challenges, which include a significant rise in market prices.

In her tweet, the actress acknowledged the hardships that many citizens face, but noted that a nationwide protest may not be the most efficient method to address these issues.

She claimed that her opinion is influenced by her experiences during the EndSARS protests, when she claimed that ill-informed individuals hijacked the movement, resulting in violence and loss of life.

Tonto Dikeh advocated an alternative strategy: create a representative group and deal directly with President Bola Tinubu.

She underlined the importance of finding peaceful and diplomatic solutions to the country’s economic issues.

“Sometimes we can be right, but our mode of expression is what matters. This is an honest plea to all Nigerian youths. Let’s make smart choices,” Tonto Dikeh’s memo caption read.

Many Nigerians have strongly criticized the actress’s suggestion on social media. Many say that her appeal for dialogue detracts from the critical necessity for concrete action.

They expressed concerns that the planned delegates would be vulnerable to corruption and fail to address the real issues facing ordinary citizens.

Reacting to the post

@arlwright77 said: “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 civilized nation when a Government becomes incompetent the principal of the ruling body resigns. Tinubu must Go.”

@uchefrank26 asked: “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.”

@majestyyvonne said: “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.”

@nelly2special said: “I really want bad governance to end I have all my family members here in naija .. but sadly I support kingtonto on this one there are people waiting to jeopardize this peaceful protest 🪧
I lost 2 friends during endsars I am scared for everyone waiting and preparing to embark on this journey .I want to join but I deyy fear of the outcome”

If we still agree to go ahead with this peaceful protest 🪧 Please everyone should be on guard and be his/her brother/sister keeper .

endbadgovernanceinnigeria

@therealestatepilot said: “We don’t want dialogue!!! Person dey work person but e be like person no dey work .” ….Abeg.”

@stan_ike said: “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.”

@lington_d said: “What has dialogue ever solved in this country? So who will be the representative? So that they go and collect their share and come back telling the youths to have hope.”

@odun___07 said: “Do you know how many are dying of hunger daily ? Why are you just saying this? Na today inflation start ? God will judge all of you.”

@mr_blaqe said: “Imagine…. because you are dining with them you are now kicking against protest….Tah.”

@hottiemandyjames said: “Representatives that will collect bribe and forget the poor masses.”