Nigeria – Tonto Dikeh Urges Nigerian Youth To Abandon Planned Protest, Advocates For Peaceful Dialogue

Nollywood actress and politician, Tonto Dikeh, has advised Nigerian youths against participating in the planned protest scheduled for the 1st to 10th of August 2024, noting that it may not be the most effective method due to the risk of it being hijacked.

The actress made this known through her Instagram page, where she advised the youth to adopt peaceful and diplomatic channels in addressing societal challenges.

According to Tonto, a representative group should be established to advocate for the plight of the youth. She added that this group would meet and communicate with the president, voicing the concerns of the youth and proposing actionable solutions.

She said: “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.”