Popular TikTok influencer Habeeb Hamzat, better known as Peller, has broken his silence after facing massive backlash for his comments on the 30-Day Rant Challenge, a viral online movement where Nigerians voice their frustrations about the state of the country.
Peller, known for his energetic live streams and social media presence, previously warned Nigerians that using TikTok as a protest platform could lead to the government banning the app, potentially affecting many content creators’ livelihoods.
Peller’s Warning: “TikTok Ban Would Be a Real Problem”
In the viral video that sparked controversy, Peller stated:
“If you really want to rant, go to Instagram, go to the market, don’t do it on TikTok. If they ban TikTok, that’s when we’ll have a real problem.”
His comments quickly spread across social media, igniting outrage among netizens who accused him of being insensitive to the struggles of Nigerians. Many saw his statement as an attempt to silence online activism, leading to a mass unfollowing campaign against him.
Peller Loses Over 600K Followers in Fallout
As the backlash intensified, Peller revealed in an interview with TVC that he had lost nearly 500,000 followers on TikTok and 400,000 on Instagram within days.
Despite the setback, the TikTok star remains unapologetic. In a new video, he addressed Nigerians directly, emphasizing that he was not the enemy and that the real focus should be on holding the government accountable.
“I’m not the problem. Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the head of state, not me. I’m just a content creator. Instead of directing anger at me, let’s focus on the real issues affecting Nigeria.”
He also stressed that his initial comments were not for personal gain but out of concern for fellow content creators.
“I’m not just thinking about myself. TikTok has changed the lives of many Nigerian youths. Instead of attacking me, let’s protect the platform and use it wisely.”
Mixed Reactions as Nigerians Weigh In
Peller’s response has continued to fuel discussions online, with opinions sharply divided. While some criticized him, others defended his stance:
@nanc_y6803: “Nigerians will pray for your success and then fight you when you start winning. Leave them and keep going.”
@carmatters: “I never liked your content before, but I see things differently now. People are just jealous of your success.”
@rango_tenge_tenge: “Ignore the haters and focus on your work. They just want attention.”
Despite the controversy, Peller remains firm in his stance, urging Nigerians to direct their frustrations towards the government rather than individuals.
