Popular Nigerian comedian, Efe Warriboy, has criticised Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia for declaring a public holiday to welcome President Bola Tinubu amid widespread grief in the state.
The governor’s decision comes in the wake of the recent Yelewata massacre, which claimed the lives of over 200 residents.
Efe Warriboy expressed his disappointment in a strongly worded video shared on his Instagram page. He described the governor’s action as insensitive and disrespectful to the victims and their grieving families.
Tinubu’s visit sparks controversy
On Tuesday, June 17, the Benue State government announced that Wednesday, June 18, would be observed as a public holiday. The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Serumun Deborah Ambe, released a statement urging residents to come out in large numbers to welcome President Tinubu, who is visiting the state for a one-day official engagement.
The announcement was met with mixed reactions. However, Efe Warriboy did not hold back. He condemned the move, saying it was inappropriate for the government to organise a celebratory welcome while the state is mourning recent killings.
“A mockery of the dead”, Efe Warriboy
In his video message, Efe called the decision a mockery of those who lost their lives in the massacre. He said the governor’s choice to prioritise the president’s visit over the people’s grief shows a lack of empathy.
“I’m trying not to be rude, but what is happening in Benue State right now is painful to watch,” he began. “When people get into power in Nigeria, something changes. Whether you’re a Reverend Father or a Senior Pastor, once you gain political power, it’s like a demon enters you.”
He continued, “Just imagine the nonsense. Declaring a public holiday so people can celebrate President Tinubu’s first visit to Benue, even when families are still crying. It’s shameful.”
Criticism of political priorities
Efe questioned the governor’s intentions and accused him of playing politics with the lives of his people. He suggested that Alia’s move may be driven by the fear of losing political favour within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This isn’t about governance anymore,” he said. “It’s about political survival. He wants to stay in the good books of his party so he can secure a second term in 2027. That’s what this is all about.”
The comedian also noted that a viral video showed a man who claimed he lost 20 family members in the attack. “That man should be the governor’s concern,” Efe stressed. “Instead, he’s planning a hero’s welcome for the president.”
Calls for sensitivity and accountability
Efe called on Nigerian politicians to show more sensitivity and accountability. He warned that decisions like this only deepen public distrust and show a lack of conscience.
“Even if you have lost your conscience, at least don’t make it so obvious,” he said. “It’s beginning to feel like there’s a hidden agenda to reduce the population.”
He added that former Governor Samuel Ortom was known for speaking out against attacks on Benue communities. “Ortom was vocal,” Efe noted. “But now, look at what we have. A governor who is also a Reverend Father, yet his silence and actions are disappointing.”
A call for leadership
As outrage continues to spread, many Nigerians have joined Efe Warriboy in calling out what they see as a misplaced priority by the Benue State government. They argue that while the president’s visit is important, honouring the dead and showing solidarity with grieving families should come first.
Efe’s message reflects a growing frustration with what many see as the insensitivity of political leaders in times of crisis. His comments are being widely shared online, with many users echoing his concerns and demanding better leadership in the face of tragedy.
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