Over the years, Nigerians have tagged realtor and self-acclaimed human rights activist, Segun Awosanya (Segalink), as the go-to person if ever in trouble with the police. Indeed, he’s helped several citizens get out of precarious situations with police officers and even gone as far as ensuring those extorted are refunded to the last penny. Gratitude and loyalty shown towards him are indeed deserved.

He, a single man had had to carry the burden of handing out justice to the victims of police violence and calling erroneous officers to order. However, the #EndSARS movement, dedicated to the fight against police brutality, has grown out of his hands and he is not quite happy with that development.

Sega has somewhat desired to be the leader of the #EndSARS movement even though Nigerians have reiterated that the movement has no leader. He’s also gone on to say that the current movement is different from what he initially started and has become an ‘insurrection against Nigeria’. He has also emphatically stated that he had detached himself from the current protests; labelling key players in the movement such as the Feminist Coalition as ‘cultists’ and accusing them of pushing a sinister agenda for trying to make the movement inclusive.

– Activist – Segalink lampoons – Feminist Coalition. pic.twitter.com/BmShP92DF9

— Postsubman (@Postsubman) October 18, 2020

Why? We cannot say for sure. Segalink has, however, made it no secret that he is against the protests and has communicated to his followers to stand down and go home. Aside from the usual gratitude that has kept most of his fans and followers mum, Nigerians are still pressing ahead and paying him no mind.

Still, there is much to be worried about as Segalink’s words come off fully loaded with pregnant connotations. In a recent tweet, he said that people should be aware and mature enough to face the consequences that they would meet ahead. What consequences? Who is he referring to? The protesters? This could signal something negative, which is worrying. It could show of insight that Nigerians do not have or it could just another vague, general statement said in the heat of the moment.

All efforts to talk sense into the arrow heads, who are mostly abroad and the few in their high estates have proven abortive. I believe everyone is matured enough to face the consequences of their actions. #Selah https://t.co/7aeXAySpYz

— SEGA L'éveilleur®? (@segalink) October 18, 2020

Now that Segalink has shown apparent distaste for the movement, every single one of his tweets has Nigerians taking a second, third, fourth look to decipher the meaning and the implications. His portfolio has proven that he’s a man with long legs and even longer influence, specifically, since we’ve seen how hard it’s been for even the Inspector General of Police to order the release of a detainee when in previous situations it’s taken Sega as little as a phone call. It is expected that Nigerians would ponder on his words. Nevertheless, some are dismissing his statements and suggesting that they are just the toddler tantrums of someone who didn’t get to be the focus of the ‘party’ whilst some believe he’s being threatened to hold this stance.

See ehn, Segalink has done a lot for the cause these past 3 years, FeministCo too have been very instrumental these past few days… But you guys are forgetting THIS PROTEST HAS NO LEADERS!!! Neither Segalink nor FeministCo speak for me. I SPEAK FOR ME and my message is #EndSARS

— ɪɴɪᴛɪᴀʟ (@Ini_tial) October 18, 2020

That Twitter verification was the last straw that broke the camel's back for Segalink.

How can you be clamoring #EndSARS for 3+ years only for your antagonists to join and gain international attention within a week.
That's a different level of pain pic.twitter.com/hQLRj03ob3

— Elon Tusk (@don_fejak) October 19, 2020

Yet, Segalink’s words cannot be cast aside as they hold much weight, and he very clearly has much influence. Tagging peaceful protesters cultists is placing a target on their backs and giving a reason for the government and the police force to go after them with violence. Accusing the Feminist Coalition of pushing a devilish agenda is discrediting the incredulous work, they’ve been doing thus far in keeping account of funds, and producing results.

As many have said, this movement is bigger than anyone and would continue without the presence of a singular individual. Segalink has been important in the history of this fight, and we are thankful. But if he won’t partake in it, it would be better for him to stand aside than for him to try to bring it down.