Brand cinematic story teller, Ife, popularly known as Diary of a Naija girl has revealed her utmost displeasure to the system of governance in Nigeria stating categorically things she would do and things she would not do after the president’s address on Thursday night.

“Last night, I chose to calm my spirit and sleep early. This was after I had cried in frustration in the shower. I’m up now and after a deep soul search, I have made the following decisions: I may not run for office but I’ll join a political party that aligns with my values. I will take it as my sole duty to encourage youths to join a political party that aligns with their values. I will make it my sole duty to encourage youths to get their voters card and vote. I will spend my resources to support youths who have the right values to get involved in the governance of this country.”

Here’s what I will not do:I will no longer spend one more moment of my energy, emotions and time feeling bad or angry at this government .Even though I’ve lost faith in the government, I have faith in myself and my capabilities because I know that when I set my mind to something, I’m unstoppable, no matter the challenges.

For now, I’ll go back to my business to regain the time I’ve lost while enveloped in the #Endsars movement. I hope that in your own time, you’ll join me in this resolve to make REAL change happen in Nigeria by starting with yourself and participating in your little way because it truly does start with us. And because enough is enough! No more wallowing in defeat and/or self-pity, A LOT IS AT STAKE. May the souls of those we’ve lost in this fight, rest in peace. Amin.

Ife ‘s hope of a new era seem to have been dashed. Few days ago, DANG made it known how optimistic she was that change had truly begun. In her exact words, I was moved to tears by the unity amongst us, the real pain in people’s eyes and the desperate hope in their voices. This is happening, we may have reached the peak of “anyhowness” from our Govt. I think change has begun”

However after the President’s speech, she lost hope against hope.
“Did you watch the President’s speech?I watched it and heard him pay tribute to fallen policemen but didn’t hear him mention anything about the #LekkitollgateMassacre .Or was there a point he did this and maybe I was distracted? Please correct me if I’m wrong.

I was at that protest almost every day and on Tuesday as well. It could have been me that was shot dead and this is how everyone will act helpless, just the way I feel helpless now. This means those people too who were killed, that’s it. They’re gone and that’s it?” The content creator said disappointed.

Feminist Coalition, a not-for-profit organization and one of the leading supporters of the #EndSARS campaign, has informed all financial supporters of the campaign to stop sending funds to the group, while also revealing plans for the remaining donated funds.

The group disclosed this in a statement titled “A Statement from the Feminist Coalition”, issued and co-signed by Damilola Odufuwa, Odunayo Eweniyi, Layo Ogunbanwo, Ozzy Etomi, Ire Aderinokun, Fakhrriyyah Hashim, Oluwaseun Osowobi, Jola Ayeye, Laila Johnson-Salami, Karo Omu, Obiageli Alintah, Tito Ovia, Kiki Mordi and FK Abudu.

The group, which also urged protesters to stay indoors and observe the curfew in their respective states, stated that it received a total of N147.8 million cash donations in favour of the #EndSARS protests against brutality and extrajudicial killings by men of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force.

It stated, “The funds were raised through the generosity of well-meaning people and concerned Nigerians who want their voices to be heard and their demands to be met.”
According to the group, it decided to stop all donation inflows following the speech by President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday evening.







“The rest of the donations will go towards funding medical emergencies, legal aid for wrongfully detained citizens, and relief for victims of police brutality and families of the deceased.

“The past two weeks have been tough for many Nigerians, most especially the last two days. Many lives have been lost and properties destroyed at the height of what started as peaceful marches for the end to police brutality.
“The Feminist Coalition condoles with every Nigerian mother, father, son, daughter who has lost a loved one in these trying times. These Nigerians share the same vision for a better country as we all do and should be duly recognized as heroes.


“Following the President’s address, we hereby encourage all young Nigerians to stay safe, stay home, and observe the mandated curfew in your state.
“The Feminist Coalition has made a decision to henceforth stop all donation inflows for the #EndSARS peaceful protest. The rest of the donations will go towards funding medical emergencies, legal aid for wrongfully detained citizens, and relief for victims of police brutality and families of the deceased.”
Breakdown of funds received over the past 14 days:
* Total received – ₦147,855,788.28 (includes donations in USD, CAD, GBP, EUR, GHS, KES, and BTC)

Yvonne Orji, Uzo Aduba, Jidenna, Cynthia Erivo, Jackie Aina, and a number of other Nigerian celebrities at home and in the diaspora have lent their voices to the #EndSARS protest.

Some even recorded a video raising awareness about the injustice Nigerians face in the hands of officers charged with protecting them, and they called for an end to police brutality. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, DJ Spinall, and a number of other Nigerian celebrities recognized internationally also featured in the video


John Boyega

The Star Wars actor, who passionately spoke at Black Lives Matter protests over the summer, said of the travesty: “I don’t know what to say. To wage such war on your own people…They must pay.” Later adding on his Instagram Stories, “The world must see. The Nigerian government has failed its people. THEY MUST GO.”


Uzo Aduba

Alongside sharing a video explaining the situation in Nigeria (in which she can be seen referencing the first wave of anti-SARS protests in 2017), the Orange Is The New Black star wrote: “Enough is enough! We are united and stand in solidarity as one Nigeria. This is a chance to redefine our future and we join the call for the Nigerian government to act now to create a country that we all can be proud of.”

Phenomenal popular beauty blogger Jackie also appears in the above video with Uzo Aduba. She shared it on her own social media channels, along with the names of many victims: “I don’t know how else to say this but I don’t know how anyone who follows me can see what is happening in Nigeria and not feel compelled to share. Nigerians are literally fighting for their lives. Initially what started with peaceful protests to end police brutality in Nigeria has ignited much larger conversations and much more. NIGERIA NEEDS HELP and has needed help for a long time.”

She continued, “No more people should have to die for BASIC human rights. It makes me sick that the government in Nigeria would much rather inconvenience an entire country and pushback on the demands instead of doing the right thing. Nigerians deserve a better Nigeria, point blank period. There is just….a lot. A lot more that I can’t convey on this post but if you remember anything, remember that Black Lives Matter all the time, Nigerian Lives Matter too, and when we say Black Lives we MOST CERTAINLY do not and will not exclude the LGBTQ community from this conversation, no matter how much the nation may try to!”


Dave

The rapper, who won Best Album at The BRITs earlier this year, joined thousands tweeting out their support. He wrote, “THEY ARE KILLING OUR PEOPLE. OUR HEARTS ARE HEAVY. #EndSARS”
If you’d like to donate to help those campaigning to #EndSARS, visit the Feminist Coalition and Connected Development, or find out more information at Amnesty International. You can also write to your local MP urging them to take action.