In Nigeria, there is a peculiar and growing phenomenon: the uncritical celebration of anyone who attacks the establishment. Whether it’s the president, a state governor, or a senator, the moment you start criticizing those in power, you are almost guaranteed a surge in popularity, followers, and even financial support. This trend is particularly evident on social media platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook, where attacking the system has become a lucrative venture. But what does this say about us as a society, and what are the implications of this culture of rebellion?
The Social Media Formula: Attack and Gain
If you want to gain a massive following on social media in Nigeria, the formula is straightforward: attack the system. Criticize President Bola Tinubu, lambast Governor Dapo Abiodun, or call out the senators in your constituency. It doesn’t matter if your criticisms are well-reasoned or based on facts; what matters is that you are seen as a rebel, a voice against the establishment. This trend is not just anecdotal—it is a reality that plays out daily on platforms like Twitter (now X), TikTok, and Facebook.
For instance, a young man on Twitter recently started attacking a senator from Ogun State. Within a single day, he gained nearly 3,000 followers. His tweets, filled with harsh criticisms and inflammatory language, resonated with a large audience that is increasingly disillusioned with the political class. To many, he became an instant hero, a brave soul daring to speak truth to power. But the question remains: was his criticism rooted in a genuine desire for accountability, or was it merely a performance designed to gain social media clout?
The Exploitation of Dissent for Personal Gain
What makes this trend particularly troubling is how easily dissent is exploited for personal gain. In Nigeria, social media has become a battleground where individuals and groups vie for attention by positioning themselves as anti-establishment figures. These “keyboard warriors” thrive on chaos, using every opportunity to attack those in power, whether justifiably or not, to advance their personal or political agendas. Their primary goal is not necessarily to effect change but to amplify discord and position themselves as champions of the masses.
This exploitation is not limited to ordinary citizens. Politicians, influencers, and even celebrities have also jumped on the bandwagon, using anti-establishment rhetoric to curry favour with the public. During election seasons, for example, it is common to see politicians who were once part of the system suddenly rebrand themselves as outsiders fighting for the people. Yet, once they achieve their goals, they often revert to the very practices they once condemned.
The Diaspora Connection: Emotional Appeals and Financial Gains
The trend goes beyond just gaining followers; it also extends to financial gains. On platforms like TikTok, once you can tell your audience about how the senator, House of Representatives member, or president has impoverished Nigeria, and how you are unable to buy drugs or food items, the diaspora will surely contribute money for you. This emotional appeal to the struggles of everyday Nigerians resonates deeply with those abroad, who are often eager to help but may not always scrutinize the authenticity of the claims.
A striking example is a lady in Obantoko, a neighbourhood close to my home, who has made a name for herself by abusing governors and other political figures. She visits people who are struggling to buy luxury goods and shares their stories online. The next thing you know, the “abroadians” (Nigerians in the diaspora) are contributing money to her. Despite using a private car, flouting traffic rules, and living a lifestyle that contradicts her online persona, she continues to receive financial support from well-meaning but perhaps overly trusting individuals.
The “We vs. Them” Syndrome
At the heart of this trend is the pervasive “we vs. them” mentality that has come to define Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. For many Nigerians, the system is seen as inherently corrupt, and anyone who challenges it is automatically seen as being on the right side of history. This adversarial mindset, while rooted in genuine grievances, often leads to a lack of critical thinking. Emotions override logic, and decisions are made based on sentiment rather than reason.
This mentality is further fueled by the widespread frustration with the country’s leadership. From rising insecurity to economic hardship, many Nigerians feel let down by those in power. As a result, anyone who voices their anger and dissatisfaction is seen as a hero, regardless of the substance of their message. This has created a culture where rebellion is celebrated for its own sake, often at the expense of meaningful dialogue and constructive criticism.
While challenging authority is an important aspect of any democracy, the uncritical celebration of rebellion can have serious consequences. For one, it can lead to the glorification of individuals who may not have the best intentions. Not every critic of the system is a hero, and not every attack on those in power is justified. By failing to scrutinize the motives and actions of these self-proclaimed rebels, we risk empowering individuals who may ultimately do more harm than good.
Moreover, this culture of rebellion can distract from the real issues that need to be addressed. Instead of focusing on concrete solutions to Nigeria’s problems, the public discourse often devolves into a cycle of anger and blame. This not only undermines efforts to hold leaders accountable but also perpetuates the very system of governance that many claim to oppose.
As Nigerians, we must learn to strike a balance between holding those in power accountable and recognizing that not every critic of the system is a hero. While it is important to challenge authority and demand better governance, we must also approach these challenges with a critical mind. This means evaluating anti-establishment figures based on their merits rather than their rhetoric and making decisions based on reason rather than emotion.
Social media, for all its flaws, has the potential to be a powerful tool for change. But for this to happen, we must move beyond the “we vs. them” mentality and embrace a more nuanced approach to activism and governance. Only then can we break free from the cycle of disillusionment and build a future that is truly “all right.”
The trend of attacking the system to gain social media followers and financial support is a reflection of the deep-seated frustrations and aspirations of Nigerians. However, the uncritical celebration of rebellion can sometimes do more harm than good. To truly move forward, we must learn to channel our passion for change into thoughtful, reasoned action. By doing so, we can ensure that the fight for justice and accountability is not hijacked by opportunists but remains a genuine effort to build a better Nigeria.
Timothy Odedina is a Progressive Politician and Political Analyst
