Several celebrities in Nigeria and abroad have been speaking out this week in support of large protests against police brutality in Nigeria. US rapper Kanye West on Monday joined a growing list of stars showing solidarity with the protesters.
“I stand with my Nigerian brothers and sisters to end police brutality, the government must answer to the peoples cries #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria,” West tweeted Monday.
Canadian-American musician, Celine Dion, joined the league of international superstars who have sent messages of comradeship to Nigeria citizens.
“My heart is melting after reading what is going on in Nigeria…#EndSARS #EndPoliceBrutality,” Celine Dion posted.
Similarly, America gospel singer Kirk Franklin, using the photo of one of the Nigerian protesters, issued a message of support on Instagram: “For over 20 years, Nigeria stood with me, now I stand with you. #endsarsnow.”
On Sunday, Drake shared an #EndSARS post from Grace Ladoja, a Nigerian-British talent manager and socialist. “Pls check this post from my family for the info @graceladoja,” Drake captioned the post along with a Nigerian flag emoji.
RnB Singer Trey Songz also tweeted his support for #EndSARs, blasting the Nigerian government for not acting faster in response to allegations of police brutality and violence.
Former British professional footballer Rio Ferdinand and “Star Wars” British- Nigerian actor John Boyega are also among those who have shown support to those protesting the disbandment of a controversial police unit in the country.
Closer to home, Nigerian superstar Wizkid has been tweeting his support for the protests since they began last week. He has postponed the launch of his album, ‘Made in Lagos’, which was set for release October 15, in solidarity with the protests. Fellow Nigerian superstar, Davido, has also been at the forefront of protests.
Protests against alleged corruption, violence and illegal practices by rogue police unit SARS erupted last week but have since ballooned into wider protests against bad governance, injustice and the creation of another police unit, SWAT, to replace SARS.
Rita Osakwe
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