Some supporters of President Bola Tinubu have dismissed growing calls for nationwide protests against Nigeria’s political elite, warning that any attempt to replicate Nepal’s Gen Z-led uprising could plunge the country into chaos.
The agitation follows a viral social media movement in Nepal, where anger over politicians’ lavish lifestyles spiraled into deadly unrest, the burning of key government buildings, and the ouster of the prime minister.
Inspired by the scenes, some Nigerian netizens urged citizens to take similar action. The leader of the Take-it-Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, drew parallels with past global protests, writing on X:
“In 2020, Americans had Black Lives Matter, and we had #EndSARS. In 2024, Kenya’s Finance Bill protest inspired #EndBadGovernance. It’s 2025—will Nigerian youths learn from Nepal?”
Other online users echoed the call, with some suggesting that protests be taken directly to Aso Rock Villa.
Pushback From Government Supporters
Pro-government voices, however, cautioned against importing Nepal’s turmoil.
Former presidential aide Reno Omokri rejected what he described as the “senseless looting” disguised as protest in Nepal, urging Nigerians to “#StartFromYourStateofOrigin, not Lagos.”
Comedian Seyi Law also criticised those celebrating the Nepal uprising, warning that revolutions often leave ordinary citizens worse off. Pro-government hashtags like #StartFromYourStateofOrigin trended widely on Friday, shared by accounts including the Nigeria Youth Advocate’s vice president, Bushari Adewale.
Civil Society and Clergy Weigh In
Civil society groups acknowledged the frustrations driving online calls.
Enefa Georgewill of the Rivers Civil Society Organisations said the government had failed to address citizens’ concerns despite past protests.
Debo Adeniran, President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, noted that while Nepal’s uprising was triggered by economic hardship, Nigeria’s #EndSARS movement was rooted in police brutality. Still, he admitted that current economic pain in Nigeria mirrors some of Nepal’s grievances.
Adding a warning, Reverend Yomi Kasali of the Foundation of Truth Assembly said Nigeria could face a similar revolt if hardships persist. “No country is immune to revolution,” he said, urging churches to step up support for the poor.
The Shadow of #EndSARS
The debate comes five years after Nigeria’s #EndSARS movement, which started online before spilling into the streets in 2020. The protests ended with a deadly crackdown at the Lekki Toll Gate, leaving lasting scars on Nigeria’s civic space.
For now, the government’s supporters insist Nepal’s path should not be Nigeria’s—while critics argue that failure to address worsening economic and political grievances could make such unrest inevitable.
