Actress, Etinosa Idemudia, expressed her dismay over the tribal discrimination and intimidation that marred the 2023 presidential and governorship elections in Nigeria. According to reports, the elections were fraught with instances of electoral violence, thuggery, tribalism, and rigging in various states.
During the governorship and state assembly elections held last Saturday, it was reported that many Igbos in Lagos state were denied the right to vote and were turned away by thugs who infiltrated various polling units. In several videos that circulated online, these thugs were seen parading the streets and warning Igbos and others who planned not to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stay at home for their own safety.
Reacting to this rather disheartening event, Etinosa took to her Instastory to relate the issue of tribalism to the racism experienced by blacks outside the country. She noted that no Nigerian should ever complain about suffering racism abroad because they are no different from the racist folks they encounter.
As a mother, actress, and public figure, Etinosa's message is clear and direct. She believes that Nigeria, as a country, needs to tackle the issue of tribalism head-on and strive to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their ethnicity, has the right to vote and be heard. Her message is particularly poignant, as it highlights the need for Nigerians to look inward and address the issues of discrimination and inequality that have plagued the country for far too long.
It is hoped that Etinosa's message will resonate with Nigerians and inspire them to take action to address the issue of tribalism and discrimination in their country. With more voices like hers, there is hope that Nigeria can overcome its current challenges and build a better, more inclusive society for all its citizens.
