Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has faced criticism for promoting eye service after a viral video showed citizens cleaning roadside bushes ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the state on Wednesday.

In a video circulating on social media, people were seen using machetes to trim overgrown vegetation along a major road, with the person filming claiming the exercise was hurriedly ordered by the state government in preparation for President Tinubu’s visit, which he described as eye service.

Tinubu is paying his condolences to the victims of the recent massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.

The poster captioned the video: “Ahead of President Tinubu’s visit to Benue State tomorrow, Governor Hyacinth Alia has ordered the immediate clearing of roadside bushes.”

The video quickly sparked backlash, with many Nigerians accusing the governor of prioritizing “eye service” over meaningful action.

Below are some reactions to the move:

@cryptic: Interpretation: “Out of all days, it is this night that the governor remembered that he has to clear town (grass) because the president is coming tomorrow”.

@doniboyibo: Lol this one Na eye service

@fobecyril: Unserious elements, governor wan do eye service.

@primadon: This is proof that he is not a working governor but an eye service man. (The Sun)