Controversial Nigerian streamer and public figure, Peller, has revealed that he has been receiving death threats following his call for Nigerians to stop criticizing the government under the viral #30DayRants challenge on TikTok. The challenge, which encourages users to vent their frustrations about the state of the nation’s governance, has sparked widespread debates and criticism across social media platforms.
Peller, who is known for his outspoken opinions and online presence, came under fire after he urged Nigerians to refrain from continuing the challenge. According to Peller, the constant criticism could lead to repercussions, including the potential banning of TikTok in Nigeria, a move that would directly impact his livelihood as a content creator. His comments, however, did not sit well with many social media users who accused him of attempting to silence free speech and divert attention from the country’s governance issues.
The #30DayRants challenge, which gained traction on TikTok and other social media platforms, saw Nigerians airing their grievances about poor governance, inflation, and insecurity, among other issues. Many participants used the challenge to express their dissatisfaction with the handling of national matters, calling for a change in leadership and better policies. However, some individuals, including Peller, voiced concerns about the negative impact these criticisms could have on the country’s international image and the platforms on which they were shared.
In a recent livestream, Peller addressed the growing tension surrounding the issue, claiming that he had become the target of multiple death threats. He told his audience that some individuals had threatened to shoot him, making references to the shooting incident of his colleague, Oloba Salo, who was shot in Lekki, Lagos last year. Salo’s shooting has been a controversial topic, further fuelling tensions around Peller’s recent remarks.
Peller said, “I have been receiving death threats. Some people threatened to shoot me like they shot Salo in Lekki Phase 1. They asked me to watch my back when going out.” His emotional remarks were followed by a sense of resignation as he announced, “What is all this? I’m not talking again. Goodbye.”
The statements from Peller have since sparked a significant public outcry. Supporters of the #30DayRants challenge argue that Peller’s remarks are an attempt to stifle free speech and divert attention from legitimate concerns about the country’s governance. They claim that the government has failed to address critical issues, and platforms like TikTok have become a vital outlet for young people to voice their frustrations.
However, Peller’s supporters argue that his comments were made with the intention of protecting Nigeria’s international standing and preserving the freedom of expression on platforms like TikTok. They believe that the negative attention generated by the #30DayRants challenge could lead to the platform’s banning in the country, affecting millions of Nigerians who use the app for entertainment, business, and communication.
Peller’s comments also come in the wake of rising concerns over social media censorship and the Nigerian government’s stance on online content. Over the years, the government has taken steps to regulate social media platforms, including the suspension of Twitter in 2021. The suspension followed a controversial tweet by President Muhammadu Buhari, which led to a temporary ban on the platform. The government later lifted the ban after negotiations with Twitter, but the incident highlighted the growing tension between the government and social media platforms.
Many Nigerians have expressed fear that the government might crack down on other social media platforms if the #30DayRants challenge continues to gain momentum. These fears have been amplified by Peller’s remarks, which some see as a warning about the potential consequences of unchecked online criticism. Peller’s comments have also raised questions about the role of public figures and influencers in shaping discourse around governance and the freedom of expression.
The issue of governance and the role of public figures in challenging or supporting the government has been a contentious one in Nigeria for years. Critics of the current administration argue that the government has failed to address the country’s many pressing issues, such as insecurity, poverty, and unemployment. Social media platforms, including TikTok, have become a space for Nigerians to express their dissatisfaction and demand change.
However, supporters of the government, like Peller, believe that criticism should be balanced and constructive, rather than overwhelming and one-sided. Peller’s call for an end to the #30DayRants challenge reflects his belief that excessive criticism could have unintended consequences, such as a ban on platforms that provide young Nigerians with the opportunity to voice their opinions.
The threats against Peller have raised concerns about the growing culture of intolerance and violence in Nigerian society. Many social media users have expressed sympathy for Peller, condemning the death threats and calling for an end to the climate of fear that has come to define online discourse in the country. They argue that regardless of differing opinions on governance or political issues, no one should face violence or intimidation for expressing their views.
At the same time, others have defended the right to criticize the government and its policies, stating that social media platforms like TikTok provide a unique and important space for Nigerians to engage in political and social discourse. They have called on the government to address the legitimate concerns of its citizens rather than resorting to censorship or intimidation tactics.
The incident has once again brought attention to the role of social media in Nigeria’s political landscape. While social media platforms provide a vital outlet for expression and engagement, they also serve as a battleground for political debates and disagreements. As the #30DayRants challenge continues to trend, it remains to be seen how the Nigerian government will respond to the growing calls for reform and change.
In the meantime, Peller’s case serves as a reminder of the risks faced by public figures and content creators who speak out on sensitive political issues. While the freedom of speech is enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, the reality for many individuals is that speaking out against perceived injustices can come at a heavy price.
