Twitter hashtags propel mass protest in Nigeria

The current climate in Nigeria is a turbulent one to say the least. Fuelled by an economic recession and uncertainty over the health of current president Muhammadu Buhari, citizens of Africa’s most populous country have taken to the streets to vent their frustrations.

In Nigeria, there are three distinct protest movements being propelled by the following twitter hashtags- #IStandWithTuface,#EnoughisEnough and IStandWithNigeria.

https://twitter.com/wizikidayo/status/826466591332261888

https://twitter.com/El_Gandaf/status/827104579791814657

Retweet if u aren't a politician and you stand with Tuface to lead the protest tagged "GOOD GOVERNANCE" #istandwithtuface#OneVoiceNigeria

— Kemi (@d_problemsolver) February 1, 2017

The second protest movement has come out in support of the current government under the name #IStandWithBuhari. This movement has however been plagued by rumours of protesters being paid to back the government..

https://twitter.com/GistWriter/status/828539759433699329

https://twitter.com/NewsAlerting/status/828857938395557888

#IStandWithNigeria calls on Nigerians to unite in order to save the country. They believe that all Nigerians should work for Nigeria in order for Nigeria to work for them.

This is the front of Aso Rock, Abuja. Nigerians are not Joking, we have been silent for long, enough is enough #IStandWithNigeria pic.twitter.com/PDGzS8r3ES

— Olúyẹmí Fásípè AICMC (@YemieFash) February 6, 2017

I'm so proud to be a Nigerian. We are a strong people. #IStandWithNigeria

— oluwatise (@maintishe) February 6, 2017

Nigerians are protesting government misrule and hardship in the country in mass numbers! #IStandWithNigeria pic.twitter.com/rLVl9mOMD3

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) February 6, 2017

Dean Workman