The recent deadly attacks in Jos, Plateau State, have sparked a heated exchange between Nigerian singer Skales and socialite Cubana Chief Priest, after the latter made controversial remarks linking the violence to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s birthday.
Cubana Chief Priest suggested on social media that the killings were orchestrated to embarrass the president on his 74th birthday. His comments, which appeared to downplay the human tragedy, quickly drew widespread criticism. Many Nigerians condemned the attempt to frame the incident in political terms rather than focusing on the loss of lives.
Skales, reacting to the post, described the remarks as “delusional” and “insensitive.” The Afrobeats star questioned how a public figure could prioritize political optics over the grief of families mourning their loved ones. “Lives were lost, and all you care about is the President being embarrassed. Where is your conscience?” he wrote, directly addressing Cubana Chief Priest. Skales reminded him that as a parent, empathy should guide his public statements.
The singer’s response resonated with many Nigerians online, who echoed his criticism. They argued that linking a national tragedy to a birthday celebration trivialized the suffering of victims and their families. For them, the focus should remain on accountability, justice, and the urgent need for improved security measures in Plateau State and across Nigeria.
Although Cubana Chief Priest also called on security agencies to intensify efforts, his theory about a “birthday plot” continued to attract backlash. Public opinion largely viewed his comments as misplaced and insensitive, with celebrities and ordinary citizens demanding more responsible discourse from influential figures.
The incident highlights the growing scrutiny of public commentary in Nigeria’s digital space. Social media has become a powerful platform for shaping narratives, but it also exposes individuals to immediate accountability when remarks are perceived as insensitive or out of touch. In this case, Skales’ intervention amplified calls for empathy and responsible communication, especially when addressing issues of national tragedy.
Beyond the online row, the attacks in Jos underscore Nigeria’s persistent security challenges. Plateau State has long struggled with communal violence, and the latest incident adds to a troubling pattern of deadly clashes. For many Nigerians, the priority remains finding sustainable solutions to insecurity rather than politicizing tragedies.
The exchange between Skales and Cubana Chief Priest reflects broader tensions in how public figures respond to crises. While celebrities and influencers wield significant influence, their words can either unite communities in grief or deepen divisions. Skales’ criticism serves as a reminder that empathy and sensitivity are essential when addressing national tragedies.
As the debate continues, the incident reinforces the importance of responsible public discourse. Nigerians expect influential voices to focus on solutions, accountability, and compassion rather than speculative narratives. The backlash against Cubana Chief Priest’s remarks demonstrates that the public is increasingly unwilling to tolerate commentary that appears to trivialize human suffering.
