A protest is a rare occurrence in Nigeria. Before Nigerians hit the streets, they must have been very frustrated with the government of the day.
Recall the #OccupyNigeria protest on Monday 2nd January 2012 in response to the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government?
Today, Nigerians who supported the government who campaigned on the mantra of change are now thinking they made a ‘huge mistake’ embracing and endorsing the change propaganda. Perhaps, due to these frustrations and disappointments, a protest march was held on Monday, 6th January 2017 in Lagos and Abuja to remind the government of its promises to Nigerians. The march went ahead even though the face of the protest, TuBaba (Tuface) pulling out. This time it was spearheaded by the Enough is Enough (EiE) movement.
In all this, the role of twitter can’t be ignored, underestimated or overlooked.
It is the platform used by the protest leaders to create awareness and buzz around the protest. The #iStandWithNigerians was the hashtag for the march and was effectively used to rally support for the protest. This is a perfect example of hashtag activism.
Here are some interesting tweets about the protest with the #iStandWithNigerians:
We are paying for darkness, unpaid salaries and allowances of health workers all across the country.#IStandWithNigeria #OneVoiceNigeria pic.twitter.com/DVEwSJufAm
— Ms Baryat #EndSARs #EndPoliceBrutality #ReformNige (@MKabrik) February 7, 2017
Some of us dont even know what life has for us after youth service….fear of the unknown. Will I find a job? #IStandWithNigeria pic.twitter.com/B4PhB0T0jf
— Rebecca (@acckeb) February 6, 2017
Guys I dey forward to National Stadium in Lagos… make we block der. #OurMumuDonDo #IStandWithNigeria pic.twitter.com/KvYj3Pm69d
— Charly Boy Area Fada 1 (@AreaFada1) February 6, 2017
Results of Monday's Poll on #iStandWithNigeria Protest organized by @EiENigeria
Don't forget to partake in today's Poll pic.twitter.com/b59X0tCZTV
— Olisa.Tv (@olisatv) February 7, 2017
Businesses are dying
Diesel price has risen to N260 making it difficult for businesses to survive #IStandWithNigeria #OneVoiceNigeria pic.twitter.com/PT84h5WYfl— Ms Baryat #EndSARs #EndPoliceBrutality #ReformNige (@MKabrik) February 7, 2017
And the presidency responds:
Acting President @ProfOsinbajo to #IStandWithNigeria: "We hear you loud and clear." pic.twitter.com/rSvhiJVtgE
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) February 6, 2017
Whether the protest achieved its aim or not, the fact is that it has sent a strong signal to the government that Nigerians are still waiting for the promised change.
