The ongoing drama surrounding the #30DaysRantChallenge on TikTok has sparked quite the debate. It all started when Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a serving corps member, criticized federal government policies, calling out President Bola Tinubu and questioning the government’s efforts to address economic challenges and poor living conditions in Lagos. This led to the viral #30DaysRantChallenge, where Nigerians voiced their frustrations about governance.
TikTok influencer Peller, however, urged his followers to stop participating in the challenge, expressing concerns that the federal government might ban TikTok if the criticism continues. His statement,
“If they shut down this TikTok, Nigerians, I will get angry. Please let us calm down. You people should stop ranting on TikTok… In no time, some government officials will call for a ban on TikTok over the ranting challenge. Nothing must happen to TikTok. God will not allow the enemy to take over the application,” he said.
“All of you saying we should unfollow all celebrities who are not joining the #30daysrantchallenge are out of your mind. You know you are hidden while the celebrity’s face is out there. What are you going to do if they arrest the celebrity? You are wicked. When you become a celebrity, you can also speak out.
“Some people even told me to rant in the presence of the Lagos state governor. I know we are all suffering. In fact, some people on this live session are even richer than me. You are also joining this video because you want to become popular.
“Go and rant in the market and leave TikTok”.
didn’t sit well with many, including human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju. Adeyanju criticized Peller, arguing that he has no right to dictate how Nigerians express their frustrations and calling his comments dismissive.
“Who’s this boy saying people should not rant on TikTok? Is TikTok your father’s house? Shouldn’t you be in school instead of on TikTok? Are you not too young to be doing TikTok? You have no right whatsoever to tell Nigerians how to express their frustration!” .
The situation has since escalated, with Peller facing backlash online and reportedly losing a significant number of followers on TikTok and Instagram. Meanwhile, Adeyanju and others continue to emphasize the importance of free expression, especially in addressing governance issues.