LAGOS, Nigeria – Inspired by recent events in Kenya, Nigerian youth have announced plans for countrywide protests, styled after the GenZ-led demonstrations in Kenya against the punitive Financial Bill 2024.
The protests, dubbed ‘10 Days of Rage,’ are set to challenge bad governance, corruption, and the high cost of living, echoing the Kenyan spirit of defiance.
With social media as their battleground, Kenyan youth have drawn admiration and support from their Nigerian counterparts, who have shared multiple TikTok videos lauding them for their resolve to stand up for their rights despite facing police excesses.
On Friday, Nigerian youths launched the hashtag “#TinubuMustGo,” mirroring Kenya’s call for President William Ruto’s exit under #RutoMustGo hashtag.
The Nigerian President is called Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The 72 year-old has been accused of overseeing massive corruption in his Government after a controversial win.
The #TinubuMustGo hashtag quickly gained traction, trending across many parts of Africa and amplifying the calls for change.
“The situation in Nigeria has reached a breaking point,” said Adeola Adedoyin, a university student and one of the protest organizers.
“We are tired of bad governance, rampant corruption, and a cost of living that is suffocating the average Nigerian. We look at what our brothers and sisters in Kenya achieved with their protests, and we are motivated to take a stand.”
The planned protests come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with severe economic challenges.
Rising inflation, unemployment, and a depreciating currency have left many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.
In response, the youths have outlined a list of demands aimed at addressing the country’s systemic issues.
Among their demands are comprehensive electoral reforms to ensure fair and transparent elections, support for small businesses to boost economic growth, and measures to lower the cost of living.
Additionally, the protesters are calling for a reduction in the salaries and allowances of lawmakers, which they view as disproportionate to the average Nigeria’s earnings.
“We need a government that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens,” said Chidinma Eze, a small business owner from Lagos.
“Our leaders are out of touch with the reality on the ground. We want them to understand that we are serious about these changes. We are not going to back down.”
The announcement of the ‘10 Days of Rage’ has been met with mixed reactions from the government and the public.
Some government officials have expressed concern over the potential for violence, urging the protesters to remain peaceful. e replicated in Nigeria.
“The power of the youth cannot be underestimated,” said Dr. Funmi Olonisakin, a political analyst.
“What we are witnessing is a new wave of activism driven by social media and a shared desire for better governance. The Nigerian government would do well to listen to these voices and address their concerns.”
Like in Kenya, the Nigerians say their movement shall be leaderless, tribeless and affiliated to no political party.
