Popular Nigerian comedian, Efe Warriboy, has openly criticised Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia.
He criticised him for declaring Wednesday, June 18, a public holiday to welcome President Bola Tinubu.
A statement was released on Tuesday by the Benue State Government, through the Secretary to the State Government, Serumun Deborah Ambe.
She announced the holiday and urged residents to “come out en-masse” to receive the president during his one-day visit to the state.
Reacting via a video shared on Instagram, Efe Warriboy described the holiday declaration as “a cruel mockery” of grieving families across Benue.
The comedian, visibly disturbed, said the governor’s actions were proof of how power often corrupts those in political office.
“I’m trying to be respectful, but it’s hard under this circumstance,” he began.
“What’s happening in Benue right now shows that whether you’re a Reverend Father or a Senior Pastor, once you gain power in Nigeria, a demon enters you. And if you join APC, it only gets worse. PDP isn’t any different either.”
He questioned the decision to hold public celebrations when families are still mourning.
“A man lost 20 family members in that massacre. Yet the governor’s priority is hosting the president like a hero. Is Tinubu coming to commission a factory or to view dead bodies?” he asked.
Efe Warriboy accused Governor Alia of playing politics with the lives of Benue people.
He alleges the move was motivated by a desire to remain in the good graces of political godfathers.
“Governor Alia should be in mourning, not asking bereaved citizens to come out and cheer. Even if Nigerian politicians have sold their consciences or signed some strange deal to reduce Nigeria’s population, must they rub it in our faces?” he said.
The comedian concluded by contrasting Alia’s silence with the more vocal stance of former Governor Samuel Ortom.
People Also Read: Benue Killings: Public Holiday Declared Ahead Of Tinubu’s Visit
“At least Ortom spoke out. But now, someone we thought would be different — a Reverend Father — has failed those who trusted him to act with compassion and integrity.”
