Tonto Dikeh makes honest plea to Nigerians ahead of nationwide protest

Nollywood actress cum politician Tonto Dikeh has made an appeal to Nigerian youths ahead of the nationwide protest on August 1-10, 2024.

Dikeh in an open letter to Nigerians shared on her Instagram page, spoke against embarking on a protest regarding the current state of our nation.

According to the mother of one, a nationwide protest may not be the most effective method, as ill minded individuals may hijack it to perpetrate evil at the expense of many youths’ lives.

Tonto suggested that the youths should established a representative group that can meet with the President and advocate on their behalf.

She added that the economic burden affects them all, and it is essential to address these challenges through peaceful and diplomatic channels.

The letter reads, “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 the price of almost everything in the market has increased by over 100 percent even without any rise in our earnings. Many people working 9-5 jons are now seeking alternatives sources of income because a significant portion of what we earn is consumed by commuting and transportation cost 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 1-10, 2024 with the tag “End Bad Government in Nigeria 2024’’ may not be the most effective method at this tim. 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 which was hijacked by ill minded individuals to perperate evil at the expense of many youths lives, ultimatley 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 meaning dialogue, advocacy and community development intiatives 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 voice heard and to work towards creating a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.”