Bobrisky Slams Nigerian Lawmakers Over Benue Killings, Accuses Them of Prioritizing His Naira Abuse Case

 

Popular Nigerian crossdresser and social media personality, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, widely known as Bobrisky, has publicly criticized members of the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives for their apparent indifference to the tragic mass killing of over 200 citizens in Benue State.

Taking to his Instagram story on Monday, the controversial figure expressed outrage at the lawmakers' perceived negligence, especially in the face of a national tragedy. Bobrisky accused Nigeria’s top legislative officials of turning a blind eye to the plight of innocent lives lost in Benue while showing disproportionate urgency when it came to addressing his own legal entanglement involving currency abuse.

Lawmakers, he claimed, did not convene an emergency session or even make public statements following the massacre, a silence he described as shameful. “Senator/house representative didn’t call urgent meeting over the killing happening in Benue,” he wrote. “But they can call urgent meeting when it comes to Bobrisky. Shame, shame!!!! Shame!!! What a shameful country.”

Bobrisky’s reaction comes amid growing national frustration over repeated episodes of mass violence in parts of Nigeria, especially in states like Benue, which have witnessed numerous attacks by unidentified armed groups. Despite the scale and frequency of these tragedies, federal lawmakers have been consistently criticized for their muted responses.

His emotional outburst has reignited conversations around the priorities of Nigeria’s legislative institutions and their silence in the face of escalating insecurity. Many citizens, already disillusioned with the political elite, have echoed similar sentiments, demanding accountability and urgent intervention to halt the senseless bloodshed plaguing several communities.

While Bobrisky’s statement has sparked mixed reactions online—some supportive, others critical—the core of his message resonates with a national mood of anger and disappointment. Social media users have drawn comparisons between the swift legal proceedings initiated against Bobrisky earlier this year and the sluggish or nonexistent governmental responses to humanitarian crises.

Earlier in 2024, Bobrisky was dragged into a legal storm after being charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for mishandling the Nigerian currency. The media personality was accused of abusing naira notes by spraying them at public events, a practice considered unlawful under Nigerian financial regulations. He was subsequently found guilty by a court.

Despite his conviction, rumors circulated that Bobrisky had not actually served jail time—a development that drew public scrutiny and raised questions about the transparency of the Nigerian judicial system. Nonetheless, the urgency with which the case was handled stands in sharp contrast to the government’s inertia concerning security issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.

His recent remarks underscore a broader issue: the widening disconnect between political leadership and the people they are elected to serve. Critics argue that the National Assembly appears more concerned with regulating social norms and media figures than addressing life-and-death matters such as terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes.

Voices from civil society have also begun to weigh in. Some human rights organizations argue that while celebrities like Bobrisky may be easy targets for sensational headlines and moral posturing, real leadership is measured by how public officials respond to national crises. They call on lawmakers to focus on legislation that protects human lives, promotes justice, and upholds democratic values—not one that distracts the public with scapegoats.

In a country where insecurity remains one of the most critical challenges facing its people, citizens continue to demand more decisive and humane leadership. Bobrisky’s comments, though laced with personal grievances, tap into the collective frustration of a nation yearning for peace, safety, and governance that reflects true empathy.

What began as a personal rant has now turned into a larger conversation about misplaced priorities, the role of public officials, and the state of governance in Nigeria. Whether or not lawmakers will respond remains to be seen, but the silence following the Benue killings, as highlighted by Bobrisky, speaks volumes—and many Nigerians are listening.