In the last two weeks, Nigerians have relentlessly made their voices heard. They have protested against police brutality, been brutalized in the process, lost innocent youths and still, they have remained hopeful.
Following the Lekki Toll Gate massacre and the looting that ensued both on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Mohammadu Buhari addressed the nation on Thursday evening concerning the events that have taken place in the last few days.
Nigerians have expressed their hurt concerning the president’s omission of the Lekki massacre in his speech, saying that respect should have been paid to the lives that were lost and that their families should be compensated. Some youths have asked that the Lekki Tollgate Plaza be renamed and should be called Lekki Memorial Plaza, in honour of the lives that were lost there.
Although they may feel hurt, Nigerians have not let it consume them. Instead, they have decided to motivate one another and have started making plans for a way forward. The protests may be unable to continue, but Nigerians are still using social media to keep hope alive.
“EVERYBODY get your PVC READY #ItIsNotFinished”, Afrobeats superstar Davido wrote.
So many Nigerians have started creating awareness, urging the youths to get their voters card ready for the next presidential election which should take place in 2023.
Nigerians have also taken to the streets to sweep and clean up after the looting of people’s properties.
Meanwhile my mum took our neighborhood in surulere today and decided to clean up the streets after all looting ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/DXxGFnoACv
— Derin From Isale Eko (@derinola) October 23, 2020
Some youths have started a movement for a new ‘Youth Democratic Party’, calling on other youths to join the movement.
One voice Nigeria. Our Plan B pic.twitter.com/MaJDIDkyJd
— Youth Democratic Party (@proudlyYDP) October 23, 2020
The funds which were raised for the protests, by Feminist Coalition are now being used to ensure that survivors are well taken care of.
Thank you for everything. Everyone of you is a superhero ❤️?? https://t.co/iYBRSv1iuM
— Bop Daddy (@falzthebahdguy) October 23, 2020
In all, Nigerians have decided that the fight is not over, and the journey to a new Nigeria has just begun.
With #OneVoice, they are saying #ItIsNotFinished.
What do we think about having a nationwide zoom conference? We can share victims stories, talk about our protest experiences, and exchange ideas about the way forward. We can’t lose hope. It’s a marathon not a sprint. Police reform is just step one, the journey has just begun.
— Banky Wellington (@BankyW) October 23, 2020
We must never forget the heroes who died in the fight for a better Nigeria on 20/10/2020 (and before). The Lekki Tollgate Plaza is hereby renamed #LekkiMemorialPlaza. Governor @jidesanwoolu Redeem yourself by approving this. Show us you are still the GOVERNOR of Lagos State.
— Ayo Shonaiya (@AyoShonaiya) October 22, 2020
All the people trying to use our tribes to separate us are just trying to use you, because they understand your power. They saw the force we had when we stood together. Don’t let them steal the narrative and confuse you.
— Simi (@SympLySimi) October 22, 2020
EVERYBODY get your PVC READY #ItIsNotFinished
— Davido (@davido) October 23, 2020
IT IS FINISHED
After watching Buhari live, knw that no member of the past or present dispensation should be elected
We want a new breed of politicians, those who will pus us first. NO APC & PDP and also No members of their families
plan B is getting a passport #NIGERIAPREVAILS
— ??????? ? (@Mohnice_) October 22, 2020
We are the Soro Soke generation, and we stand to #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigera ✊?✊?#ItIsNotFinished pic.twitter.com/JwMqLWaTYx
— Izy ? (@___israell) October 23, 2020
I don’t know about you but I’m fired up. For the first time ever, I’m interested in Nigeria. One vital lesson I took from the #ENDSARS peaceful protest is that: if we come together as one, with a singular purpose, anything we set our minds on, we will achieve it. 2023 go hear am.
— Samuel Otigba (@SamuelOtigba) October 22, 2020