Nigerian activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has found himself at the center of an online storm after condemning the ongoing cyber retaliation between Nigerians and South Africans.
Thediscovererng.com reports that the dispute began when netizens from both countries engaged in a digital feud, disrupting online transportation services, particularly on the Bolt app, as a form of retaliation.
Sowore, taking to his social media platforms, criticized the actions of Nigerians who had joined the fray, labeling the digital attacks as “Cyber Xenophobia.” He urged those involved to cease immediately, warning that such behavior is as dangerous as physical xenophobia and could harm millions of South Africans and Nigerians in the diaspora.
“I totally condemn the cyber war on South African internet infrastructure by a group of netizens from ‘Nigeria’ disrupting online transportation services for a majority of fellow Africans because of the misconduct of a few South Africans. It is unacceptable, and I want it stopped henceforth,” Sowore stated.
He further emphasized the need for African unity, adding, “Cyber Xenophobia” is as dangerously reprehensible as mental and physical Xenophobia! There are millions of South Africans, as well as Nigerians in the diaspora, that would be adversely affected by this terrible conduct. #AfricanUnite #RevolutionNow.”
See his post below;
https://x.com/YeleSowore/status/1826682649609732403?t=ENfUOBKCYqmBa_K6x9x51g&s=19
However, Sowore’s call for an end to the cyber conflict has sparked significant backlash. Many netizens took to the comment section to criticize him, with some questioning his authority to command Nigerians to halt their actions. The comments ranged from dismissive to outright hostile, with many arguing that Sowore had no right to dictate their response to the situation.
Read some netizens’ reactions to Sowore’s ‘command’ statement below;
@chuks: Lmao. He say “I want it stopped henceforth”
Who be kwansogbu?
@allexmammi: You self know say Nigerians go drag you for this tweet, but you posted it anyway because you be Mugu
@9jabuway: Slave…Why didn’t you ask the South Africans to stop when they 1st started with bolt drivers in Nigeria???
@nwachief: This werrey say he wants it stopped henceforth. Na u buy me phone?
@diceoftruth: Will you keep quiet. Who the hell does this mf think he is?
I totally condemn… Nonsense.
