Social media critic and commentator Daniel Regha has publicly criticised Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his controversial remarks about internet fraudsters, widely known in Nigeria as Yahoo boys. Regha’s comments came after Obi’s statement during an engagement with youths in Onitsha, which many interpreted as an attempt to downplay the criminality associated with online fraud.
In a statement shared on his verified X handle, Obi described some of Nigeria’s so-called Yahoo boys as “geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.” He emphasized that the remark was made in the context of an event titled “Money Beyond Wealth,” hosted at All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, which aimed to engage young Nigerians on the dangers of greed and the importance of building sustainable wealth through integrity and purposeful work.
Obi Advocates for Youth Redirection
During the event, Obi stressed that the growing obsession with material wealth among young Nigerians has led some to engage in illegal activities. He highlighted that while money is a component of success, it should never come at the expense of ethical behaviour and societal responsibility. According to him, some youths involved in online fraud possess exceptional creativity, intelligence, and courage—qualities that, if properly channelled, could contribute positively to the nation’s economic and technological development.
He told the attendees: “Some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation. Our challenge is to channel their energy from deception to productive enterprise.” Obi further clarified that his intention was not to glorify or excuse criminal behaviour, but to inspire a framework for rehabilitating misguided youths through mentorship, education, and access to legitimate opportunities.
Daniel Regha Reacts Sharply
Despite Obi’s clarification, Daniel Regha took to social media to express his strong disagreement. Regha argued that the statement could be misinterpreted as justifying criminal behaviour and potentially normalizing illegal activities. He tweeted: “Peter Obi is justifying crime now? Keep in mind that Yahoo boys are no different from bandits, since both have destroyed countless lives. And with this statement of his, the government’s rehabilitation of bandits can also be excused. Absolutely not. Cybercrime should be condemned.”
Regha’s critique triggered intense debate across various social media platforms. While some users applauded Obi’s perspective for highlighting the potential in misguided youths, many others warned against rationalizing crime under the guise of talent or genius. Netizens debated whether Obi’s comments could unintentionally send the wrong message to impressionable youths, with some emphasizing that legal and moral accountability should never be compromised.
The discussion also expanded into broader concerns about Nigeria’s youth, employment challenges, and the need for government-led programs that channel youthful energy into productive and lawful avenues. Many suggested that instead of merely condemning cybercrime, there should be structured mentorship, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programs to transform potential into positive action.
As the controversy continues to trend online, both Obi’s remarks and Regha’s response have dominated timelines, reflecting the divided opinions of Nigerians on leadership, crime prevention, and youth engagement strategies. The debate underscores the delicate balance between recognizing talent and ensuring accountability in a society grappling with cybercrime and youth unemployment.
