Different factions of Nigerians youths are at loggerheads over the reopening of the Lagos State Lekki Tollgate. Some youths, using the hashtag #DefendLagos on Twitter, have made known their plans to clash with protesters of #OccupyLekkiTollgate slated to take place on February 13.
Certain activists including Omoyele Sowore had initially supported the #OccupyLekkiTollGate protest on Monday but then certain Twitter influencers started trending #DefendLagos and #DemNoBornYourPapaWell, asking ‘lovers of Lagos’ to defend the state against ‘criminals’.
Olusoga Owoeye, a tweep, said, “Show your love for our Lagos. Get your friends and your neighbours to be there. Join The Defend Lagos Rally at the Lekki Toll Plaza on the 13th of February. We will not cede our city to criminals and insurrectionists. Lagos is our Pride. #defendlagos #DemNoBornYourPapaWell
Haniyat also said, “The youths in Nigeria will be remembered for their fight against injustice, their unity in battling corruption, and their tenacity for success We are ready!! #DemNoBornYourPapaWell #DefendLagos.”
Criticism of #DefendLagos
Some Nigerians have accused the #DefendLagos hashtag of evil intentions promoted by certain politicians while some are afraid of a violent clash between factions on the day of the protests.
Ayemo Jubar on Twitter said, “I’m not surprised to see #DefendLagos and you also shouldn’t, this is how Tinubu operates. They usually wait till midnight to have their meetings and dish out a counter-movement early in the morning. If #DemNoBornYourPapaWell eh, meet us at #OccupyLekkiTollGate.
Dr Olufunmilayo, another tweep, said, “#DefendLagos is not about defending Lagos. It’s an official confirmation that hoodlums will be used to cause maximum violence and chaos. It is a very subtle way of saying they will burn, destroy and kill- just to continue money collection at Lekki Toll Gate.”
Fisayo Soyombo, a journalist also tweeted, “The story of Nigeria’s battle against oppression. Summarised in two hashtags. For every #OccupyLekkiTollGate, there’s a corresponding #DefendLagos. Both online and in real life. For every attempted stride towards light, there are always at least two more towards darkness.