The state government had announced Tuesday that Wednesday, June 18, would be observed as a public holiday to honor the president's one-day visit. The directive, issued by Secretary to the State Government, Serumun Deborah Ambe, called on residents to “come out en-masse” to receive President Tinubu.
This decision sparked backlash online, with Efe Warriboy leading the charge in a strongly worded video posted to his Instagram page. He described the move as a “mockery” of the grieving families and an example of the insensitivity often shown by Nigerian politicians.
“Just imagine the nonsense — declaring a public holiday for President Tinubu’s visit when people are mourning over 200 deaths,” Efe fumed. “The Governor should be in mourning, not asking bereaved people to come out and cheer.”
The comedian, known for blending humor with hard truths, did not hold back in his critique of Governor Alia, a Catholic priest turned politician. He questioned the governor's moral and political priorities, suggesting that holding office in Nigeria often corrupts even those perceived as upright.
“Whether Reverend Father or Senior Pastor, once you enter Nigerian politics, it’s like something just enters you. You lose your sense of empathy,” he said. “This isn’t just about APC — PDP, all of them are guilty.”
Efe Warriboy referenced a viral testimony from a Yelewata victim who claimed to have lost 20 family members in the attack, contrasting the tragedy with the government’s celebratory tone ahead of the president’s arrival.
“The President should be sneaking into the state out of respect for the dead, not expecting a carnival,” he said pointedly. “Is he coming to commission infrastructure or mass graves?”
He further accused Governor Alia of prioritizing political optics over the well-being of his constituents, alleging that the holiday was a strategic move to maintain favor with the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Efe ended his message by contrasting Alia’s approach with that of former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, who was widely known for vocally opposing the recurring violence in the state and demanding federal action.
“Ortom was loud and clear about these killings. Now that it’s your turn, people were hoping for justice and compassion. But this is a disappointment,” he said.
The Yelewata massacre, which reportedly claimed over 200 lives, has reignited debates on government response to insecurity in the Middle Belt region. Efe Warriboy’s reaction reflects a broader frustration among citizens who feel let down by political leaders in times of crisis.
As President Tinubu visits the state amid mounting tensions and grief, the optics of celebration over tragedy may pose further questions about leadership priorities in Nigeria’s ongoing battle with violence and displacement.