A Nigerian media personality, Sarki, has ignited debate on social media after cautioning citizens against participating in protest movements allegedly promoted by influencers based outside the country.
In a viral post, Sarki warned that Nigerians joining such protests risk being detained by security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS). He wrote:
“Friendly advice: don’t join influencers who are tweeting from outside Nigeria to call for protests. If DSS picks you up, you probably won’t see sunlight again until elections are over. Please tread carefully. Most of those influencers calling for protests are outside Nigeria.”
Public Reactions Trail Warning
The warning quickly drew reactions from Nigerians online, many questioning whether such restrictions align with democratic principles:
Chekwube challenged the notion that protesting is a crime, tweeting:
“Is protest crime? @officialABAT nobody does it better than you when it comes to protest. What has your DSS done to this poor child that made him make this post? Tinubu is protest a crime??”
IOcuppyNigeria cited Nigeria’s democratic history:
“Oga, we dey inside democratic dispensation since 1999, because Tinubu dey office our democratic right suppose vanish abi? Protest wey Tinubu himself engage in… why dem no arrest am?”
Skood accused Sarki of hypocrisy:
“You were picked up because of alleged terrorist tendencies and your supposed support for Iran. So telling people not to peacefully protest against hardship just because you were picked up only proves you have not changed your deceitful ways.”
Debate Over Rights and Security Deepens
Several users stressed the importance of protest as a democratic right:
Ukpaka remarked:
“Is protest now banned in Nigeria? You guys should remember we have a country to protect… It is through protest that the masses express their dissatisfaction. Why are influencers helping to suppress the masses?”
Mista_jay referenced constitutional backing:
“Do you even know the Nigerian Constitution empowers you to protest freely? Sections 39 and 40 clearly states it. However, since 2015 protests have become a crime… It’s a shame this is where we are now.”
The conversation highlights the ongoing tension between citizens’ democratic rights and concerns over security enforcement under the current administration.
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Published by Ejoh Caleb
