Nigerian Politician and actress, Tonto Dikeh has penned an open letter to Nigerians over their planned nationwide protest over economic hardship.
Taking to her Instagram page, Tonto shared a note in which she empathized with the public’s frustration and concerns about the current state of the nation. She expressed an understanding of how disheartening it is to wake up and discover that prices in the market have doubled.
However, she expressed her belief that organizing a nationwide protest from August 1-10, 2024, might not be the most effective approach. She noted that her suggestion is not intended to undermine the effectiveness of protests or deprive young people of their civil rights.
She explained that her suggestion is based on concern and her experience with the previous EndSARS protest, where malicious individuals took advantage of the situation, resulting in the loss of many young lives.
To prefer a solution, Tonto proposed the formation of a representative group that could engage with the President and advocate on behalf of the people. She stressed that the economic challenges affect everyone and emphasized the importance of addressing these issues through peaceful and diplomatic means.
See how Netizens reacted below
One Librla BenJay wrote: “We kindly decline to this request…we have our representatives already at both the senate and House of Representatives,we do not need more representatives..we need to make the president hear directly from us….we can’t delegate any so called representatives that will only be there to enrich themselves at the expense of the starving masses!!”
One Surprise 1st wrote: “Representatives? How ? I don’t understand the job given to house of rep both in state level and FG if we have to be gathering another set of members randomly in the society to represent the full Nigerians in front of president and please tell me how and what you mean by the representative to be telling president what Nigerians are facing haha gbogbo whining ati ogbon jibiti bai m no really like am oooo… you mean Alaye no know wetin Nigerians deh pass tru? Like bi bawo … lege no b Seyi friend again Abi he no deh tel him? Abi president himself deh honey moon to know say we are in mess? Abeg abeg next time please let anyone that compose this kind of write up for you be smart and sharp ….. no try am again okay? Last warning😡… odaro queen”
One Darlwright 77 wrote: “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”
One Relationships N you wrote: “When Jonathan was there who wrote letters like this? Please stay out of this for good. Whatever it takes we are occupying Nigeria in a way that has never been seen before. The soldiers should get ready. They police should get ready. This time the youths will occupy”
One Migh TYDave wrote: “With all due respect Tonto I respect you oh but you see this matter just remove body because we have be pushed beyond the wall no more space in the wall people are suffering you have worked hard for yourself to be where you today but try look back to where you are coming from open the heads of Nigerian youths now what you will see is frustration and suicidal thoughts I pray Nigeria never happens to you I pray many celebs like you will learn from Toyin Abraham saga remove body or stand up for the good course”
One Uche Frank 26 wrote: “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”
One Dolpo Crown wrote: “In as much as you have a good point here. I am still amazed by how NIGERIA LEADERS see peaceful protests as a threat. They have caused famine in this country, they don’t want us to talk and let us all die in the famine. They are really cruel and satanic. Both the leaders and followers are all greedy so choosing representatives is not the problem but they will only fight for their pockets when they see who they are to talk to”
One Kao Dili wrote: “The representatives at the house of reps are representing their stomachs and cows. Next chapter please. I forgot to add. Even you, ma relevance of pay out your looking for….”
One Otetame Business Solutions wrote: “Fear people in politics. So you they see chop you want others to continue in penury. Pls suggest to us which other channels govt listen to. senator they talk them sack am who be ordinary man.”
One Nelly 2 Special supports Tonto’s ideas. He wrote: “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.”
One She is Nasa wrote: “Emotional blackmail! Representatives to communicate what exactly? Like he doesn’t know, see or hear what people are going through?”
One Fustinus Tochi wrote: “Don’t tell people what to doo what have dialogue done in this situation , if you don’t have mind to protest allow those that want to go ahead please”
In October 2023, the APC women leader announced Tonto as a member of the All Progressive Congress, sparking criticism from netizens who accused her of being a hypocrite.
Responding to the backlash, Tonto expressed that she realised that impactful leadership stems from visionary individuals who selflessly serve humanity. She emphasized her commitment to the progress of Nigeria and the well-being of the nation’s youth.