The 200,000 strong Twitter presence for the #EndSARS movement spells success for Nigeria’s youths. Likewise, celebrity recognition proves the movement is gaining traction. The government’s varied actions, however, and climbing fatalities tell another story.
- Global attention focuses on #ENDSARS as celebrities support the cause;
- The protests also resulted in #EndSARS trending worldwide;
- Celebrities that have to lend their voices – Gabriele, Tyler Perry, TD Jakes, etc.;
- Protests push the Nigerian Government to a tight corner.
The calls for an end to police brutality in Nigeria (#ENDSARS) continue to gain momentum across the world. From the United States to London, Canada and New Zealand, Nigerian citizens are clamouring for an overhaul of the policing system. And in over a week, these protests are changing the dynamic of policies and policing. First of which was the Federal government’s (FG) dissolution of the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
But just before youths could breathe a sigh of relief, FG announced the establishment of a new tactical team, SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactical). And despite the calls to end police brutality, security officials have killed over ten persons since the start of the protest. Nonetheless, the demonstrations ensue, gaining traction everyday.
Spike in #EndSARS searches globally
Interestingly, what is now the #Endsars movement started out benign, with a series of agitations, first online. And by October 9th, five days later, Google Trends observed a spike as agitations swept the States.
Thirteen days later, the protest gained momentum globally as youths sought concrete actions from the government.
Global celebrities support the #EndSARS movement
Elsewhere, Jack Dorsey’s microblogging site, Twitter, designed an emoji showing the colours of the Nigerian flag to support the protest. Dorsey also supported the call for donations to support #ENDSARS’ cause through cryptocurrency.
Every day, tweets and actions on #EndSARS garnered 200,000 tweets on average. Yet, the government still lags in policies and swift responses to meet the demands and yearnings of the people.
Apart from Jack, other global celebrities have openly supported the protest.
John Adegboyega, popularly known as John Boyega, a British-Nigerian actor and producer, said the police unit has experienced no change after over three years of public condemnation. Also, internationally revered cleric, T. D. Jakes called on the Nigerian government to respect the lives of its citizens and ensure justice for those affected by police brutality.
Likewise, American singer and rapper, Trey Songz, in a no-holds-barred response to President Buhari, called out the government’s inaction to the youths’ outcry.
Other celebrities such as Kanye West, P. Diddy, and Drake, Manchester United Midfielder, Paul Pogba, have also voiced their disdain towards police brutality in Nigeria.
Nigerian government on their toes
By and large, it seems this unrelenting movement might just be getting the government’s attention. Already, FG and some state-level government’s have promised to ensure justice to the victims of police brutality. Further, at the State levels, they have established Judicial Panels for victims. Nigerian Singer and one of the celebrity supporters of the ENDPoliceBrutality movement, Folarin Falana, dubbed Falz, said the goal is ‘towards getting justice for everyone that has been wronged’.