Popular Nigerian comedian and activist, Mr Macaroni, has called out former senator Ben Murray-Bruce for what he deemed “hypocrisy” following Murray-Bruce’s recent praise of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Mr Macaroni’s criticism comes after Murray-Bruce took to social media to defend Akpabio, a controversial political figure, despite previously criticizing him in 2018.
Murray-Bruce, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed his unwavering support for Akpabio, calling him a man of “unimpeachable good character.” He further stated that Akpabio had been “investigated in and out” but had emerged “clean as a whistle.” Murray-Bruce’s statement was framed within a broader context of national stability, urging caution in the nation’s leadership during a critical time.
He wrote, “Nigeria needs stability and men of ability, and it behoves us as a nation to tread with caution at this critical time of our national life. Institutions such as the Legislature should not be trifled with because of partisan considerations.” He added, “I will not stand idly by while some persons try, both home and abroad, to destroy an institution I was once proudly a part of.” Murray-Bruce emphasized that he stood by Akpabio, stating, “I give him my right hand of fellowship and stand firmly with him.”
Despite these commendations, the post was met with immediate backlash from Mr Macaroni, who has built a reputation for his vocal criticism of Nigerian politicians. The comedian, whose real name is Debo Adebayo, highlighted the apparent contradiction between Murray-Bruce’s past and present views on Akpabio. Mr Macaroni shared an old tweet from 2018 in which Murray-Bruce had sharply criticized Akpabio.
In that 2018 tweet, Murray-Bruce accused Akpabio of attempting to undermine Nigeria’s political processes. He even went as far as to suggest that Akpabio’s visa should be revoked. “We cannot have people breaking the laws of the land and still be allowed to operate freely,” Murray-Bruce had written. At the time, Murray-Bruce’s stance was clear: he was strongly opposed to Akpabio’s political actions.
Mr Macaroni seized on this inconsistency, questioning how Murray-Bruce could now stand by Akpabio after previously condemning him so harshly. The comedian’s followers also joined in, calling out the former senator for what they saw as a shift in allegiance based on personal or political gain. “Hypocrisy at its peak,” one follower commented in response to Macaroni’s post.
