Citizen is a column that explains how the government’s policies fucks citizens and how we can unfuck ourselves.
For the past week, Nigerians have been protesting, both online and offline, for the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) on the grounds of unchecked police brutality.
Everyone has a part to play in this essential fight, and this post is for those who are doing that with their phones. Here is how to be an effective and responsible online protester.
Tweet and retweet #EndSARS aggressively
We need to keep the #EndSARS hashtag trending. With each passing day, it gains more attention around the world — making it harder for the government to ignore our demands for police reform.
Now is not the time to rest. Whenever you tweet, remember to add the hashtag. If you get tired of tweeting, then retweet as much as you can. Also important to remember that one hashtag per tweet is more than enough.
N.B: It’s #EndSARS, not #EndsSARS. Always use the correct hashtag.
Report responsibly
When sharing details of any kind of unrest on social media, it’s important to be as precise as possible. Share the time, the location and a timestamped video or picture if you can.
How to do that:
- Download the GPS Map Camera for pictures and Timestamp for videos.
- You can record the videos using the Snapchat timestamp filter.
- Say the time, location and date while recording.
Look out for accounts spreading fake news
In the past week, with the rise in popularity of activists like FK Abudu and Mr Macaroni, a ton of fake accounts imitating them have been springing up. They share fake news with the intention of drumming up engagement.
Once you spot one, you should immediately report them for impersonation. Go to their profile, click the three dots at the top of their page, and choose “They’re pretending to be me or someone else”.
Don’t limit your online protest to one social media platform
Right now, it’s impossible to open Twitter and not see a flood of #EndSARS hashtags, but that’s not really the case on other big platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
If you can, share protest pictures, posters and infographics on your Instagram feed and Instagram stories. Do the same on Facebook and WhatsApp as well.
Amplify legitimate cries for help
At different protest locations across the country, there have even reports of attacks by hoodlums and law enforcement officials. When you see a legitimate cry for help, please retweet.
There are people working to send ambulances and security to help. They need to know where to focus their efforts, and your RT helps make that possible. You are vital to the movement.
We hope you’ve learned a thing or two about how to unfuck yourself when the Nigerian government moves mad. Check back every weekday for more Zikoko Citizen explainers.
