Tonto Dikeh, a well-known Nollywood actress and politician, has sparked a significant online debate after advising Nigerians to rethink their planned nationwide protest scheduled from August 1 to 10, 2024.

"What Has Dialogue Ever Solved in This Country?" – Netizens React to Tonto Dikeh’s Advice on Nationwide Protest Plans

Taking to Instagram, Tonto Dikeh expressed her understanding of Nigerians’ widespread frustration and economic difficulties, including the significant rise in market prices.

In her post, she acknowledged the severe hardships many citizens face but argued that a nationwide protest might not be the most effective way to address these issues. Her opinion is shaped by her experiences during the EndSARS protests, which she noted were hijacked by misinformed individuals, leading to violence and loss of life.

Instead, Tonto Dikeh proposed an alternative approach: forming a representative group to directly engage with President Bola Tinubu. She emphasized the importance of seeking peaceful and diplomatic solutions to the country’s economic problems.

“Sometimes we can be right, but our mode of expression is what matters. This is an honest plea to all Nigerian youths. Let’s make smart choices,” she wrote in her Instagram post.

However, many Nigerians strongly criticized her suggestion on social media, arguing that her call for dialogue undermines the urgent need for concrete action. They expressed concerns that any appointed delegates might be susceptible to corruption and fail to address the real issues faced by ordinary citizens.

Reactions to Tonto Dikeh’s Post

@arlwright77 said: “It’s unfortunate that people have to settle for less while the political elites continue to have their way. A government that promised Nigerians a good life and sweet governance has, in less than a year, brought us the worst hardship ever. And all you can advise is dialogue? Dialogue for what exactly? In a civilized nation, when a government becomes incompetent, the leaders resign. Tinubu must go.”

@uchefrank26 asked: “Do you really understand what the common man on the street faces? Have you gone a whole week without food or struggled to feed your family? Mtcheww.”

@majestyyvonne said: “Well done, ma’am, you tried, but this time we won’t let it go. It’s time to #endbadgovernanceinnigeria. Many will die. If I die, I die. God knows we are tired. I speak on behalf of millions of Nigerians with disabilities. We don’t have jobs, we can’t buy food, and this government hasn’t done anything for people like us. We are tired of suffering.”

@nelly2special said: “I really want bad governance to end. I have all my family members here in Naija. But sadly, I support King Tonto on this one. There are people waiting to jeopardize this peaceful protest. I lost two friends during EndSARS, and I am scared for everyone preparing for this journey. I want to join, but I fear the outcome.”

@therealestatepilot said: “We don’t want dialogue! People are working, but it feels like they aren’t. Abeg.”

@stan_ike said: “See her now, she just joined ACP last year, and now she’s telling us that protest is not the best approach, knowing fully well that the government won’t dialogue without any movement. Since you joined ACP, how many times have you sat with our president to discuss our hardships? How many times have you written an open letter to the president? You better do what you like and allow others to do theirs.”

@lington_d said: “What has dialogue ever solved in this country? So who will be the representative? So they can go and collect their share and come back telling the youths to have hope.”

@odun___07 said: “Do you know how many are dying of hunger daily? Why are you just saying this? Did inflation start today? God will judge all of you.”

@mr_blaqe said: “Imagine… because you are dining with them, you are now kicking against protest…Tah.”

@hottiemandyjames said: “Representatives will collect bribes and forget the poor masses.”

Conclusion

The reactions to Tonto Dikeh’s advice highlight a deep-seated mistrust among Nigerians toward the government and the proposed method of dialogue. While her intentions may be to prevent further violence and loss of life, the outcry reflects a desperate demand for tangible change rather than continued discussions. The debate continues as Nigerians seek the most effective way to address their grievances and improve their living conditions.

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