The Nigerian celebrities who spearheaded the first wave of EndSARS protests across the country in October have failed to lend their voice in support of the second wave which commenced today, December 7, 2020.
The fresh protests are demanding an end to bad governance in Nigeria after the first forced the Federal Government to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, a unit in the police force accused of brutality.
Top celebrities like Falz, Small Doctor, Davido, Runtown, and activist Aisha Yesufu were at the forefront of the first protests. This was before the Nigerian Army was alleged to have shot at some protesters who gathered at the Lekki toll gate on October 20, 2020.
With the second wave of protests now active, the celebrities who were actively promoting the first on social media in October have not lent any support using their various platforms.
Their tweets in the past three days have no correlation with the fresh campaign which has been getting reasonable awareness.
Even Obianuju Catherine Udeh aka DJ Switch who was at the Lekki toll gate on the night soldiers allegedly attack protesters has not lent any support to the second wave.
The Instagram Live video which she made on the night had led many into believing that there was a massacre of protesters at the Lekki toll gate.
This was rubbished by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, saying, “In the fullness of time, this lady will be exposed for who she is, a fraud, a front for divisive and destructive forces.”
During the first wave, businesses were looted by hoodlums who hijacked the protests. They also burnt down public and private properties across the country.
Weeks later, the Presidency warned that the celebrities who promoted the protests which resulted in violence will account for their actions.
This was stated by the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, when he appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He said, “This country has only one President and has only one constitution. President Muhammadu Buhari is responsible for his government. The buck stops on his table.
“We are a country governed by law. There is a constitution —under section 33— that clearly defines the rights of citizens to freely protest in a peaceful way but where a peaceful protest turns into riot, violence and looting, there is a law and order duty to be performed.
“Everyone witnessed the massive looting of public and private properties particularly in Lagos, Calabar, Plateau, Taraba and some other states, even the FCT.
“Now, the laws of the country must be allowed to decide, to rule on wrongdoing on the part of anybody.
“I am not particular about any celebrity or promoter but this country has been harmed enormously and people should be prepared to account for what they did.”
This morning, Security operatives were reportedly seen at key areas in Lagos which was the epicentre of the first wave.
This has not deterred the youths who are currently active on social media with the EndSARS hashtag which got boosted when celebrities supported it in October.
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