Unpopular Opinion: Jack Erred
A few hours ago, I saw a tweet by @jack, showing commendable support for our #EndSARS agitations by drawing global attention to the brutality that Nigerians face in the hands of the Police through the use of one of our hashtags. But rather than

Stop there, @Jack, to my utter surprise and shock made a tweet that sought to help to raise funds for our struggle.While some may view this as his way of further identifying with our struggle,this was a very callous and I dare say illegal move by him that is akin to interfering

In the internal affairs of a sovereign nation by a foreign National. Although Jack is an individual and does not represent the US government, there are extant and international laws that bar foreign nationals from directly getting involved in the internal politics of other

Countries. As a student of history, I am aware that many eminent Nigerians who in the spirit of black consciousness and solidarity raised billions of Naira in support of the then candidate Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign to be US President were rebuffed by the US authorities citing

American Laws that prevents foreign citizens from donating to any political campaigns in the the US.The action of Jack to use his wide platform to call for funds for our agitations can be considered subversive. As Nigerians who live with the reality of the brutality of the Police

We sure do need all the support that we can muster,both local and international, but we are capable of financing our struggles without external interference. So far,the funds raised are from average Nigerians on the streets who genuinely want a radical reform of Policing

In Nigeria. Of course, some of our kith and kin living abroad have also sent contributions since they have in one way or another lived with this reality, but these ones are not statute barred from contributing to this kind of causes being citizens of Nigeria and stakeholders.

While Jack’s action may be considered well meaning,it has unwittingly put our protesters in a very difficult position which if interpreted in the purest form of the act by hawkish elements with the administration may jeopardize the gains that have been so far made.For the record,

These protests seek only to demand genuine disbandment and not rechristening of the rogue police unit SARS and a reform of the criminal policing practices that has crippled our development trajectory. While we appreciate the global attention, I want to call on foreigners who want

To help to do that within the laws of our country and without engaging in any acts that will put us in harms way with the constituted authorities in our country. I understand that this message may not go down well with many or even the owners of Twitter, and I am prepared for

The backlash and consequences as long as I stand for truth. This much I owe myself and those who look up to me to speak truth at all times even if heavens will fall.
Dr Chima Amadi.