By Ibrahim Salaudeen, Lagos
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed deep concern over what it considered as the obscene and morally-reprehensible statement credited to Peter Obi, describing internet con artists – fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, as “geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.”
The Lagos APC says it is worried about the Obi’s state of mind – depicting ambivalence – glorifying fraudulent practices, condemning corruption in the same breath.
‘’We are worried about Mr. Obi’s state of mind – one that glorifies fraudulent practices, while condemning corruption and dishonesty in the same breath. Such contradiction exposes a profound moral confusion that has no place in leadership,” APC stated on Sunday.
The 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, had said that most “Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.”
Obi made the remarks in Onitsha, Anambra State during a youth-led convention, which he attended as a guest speaker.
“I told the youths that some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation. Their creativity and courage, if properly guided, can drive innovation and national development. Our challenge is to channel their energy from deception to productive enterprise,” Obi said in a statement released
He cautioned that Nigeria cannot attain greatness while celebrating corruption and rewarding dishonesty. He compared the current vices to those that which is currently affecting the political class.
He said while money is necessary, it represents only a small part of true wealth, which, he said, rests on integrity, character, and purpose.
“Real wealth uplifts both the individual and society, promotes education, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities for others to live dignified lives,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor revealed that he had cut short his travels because he felt the urge to encourage many of the youths upon his arrival from the United Kingdom.
Obi faulted leadership following IMF’s omission of Nigeria from Africa’s top growth list
“I went straight to Onitsha and was glad to be part of the event because it addressed a vice that has eroded our values, the greed for material possessions,” Obi said.
He condemned violence that comes in the form of religious attacks, saying that, whether Christians or Muslims, or traditional worshippers, fairness and merit are what Nigerians need.
“Finally, I reminded everyone that no religion or tribe buys bread cheaper than another. Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources; what we lack is the will to do what is right. Once we embrace justice, fairness, and merit, our nation’s greatness will naturally unfold,” he said.
…There’s nothing genius about Yahoo Yahoo, APC tells Obi
Meanwhile, the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed deep concern over the obscene and morally-reprehensible statement credited to Peter Obi, describing internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, as “geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.”
Spokesman Seye Oladejo, in a statement on Sunday in Ogba, Lagos, said: ‘’This reckless comment represents a new low from a politician on a free fall – a man so desperate to remain politically-relevant that he now seeks validation through controversy. It is both disappointing and dangerous that someone who once aspired to lead Nigeria would trivialise criminality in a country striving to rebuild its moral foundation.
‘’We are worried about Mr. Obi’s state of mind – one that glorifies fraudulent practices, while condemning corruption and dishonesty in the same breath. Such contradiction exposes a profound moral confusion that has no place in leadershi.
‘’From his recent statements, Nigerians owe their Creator immense gratitude that the nation dodged a bullet during the last presidential election. The thought of someone with such confused values at the helm of national affairs is terrifying.
‘’It has become evident that the collapse of his so-called “movement” and the lack of a credible political platform have brought out the worst in him. His desperation for attention has replaced reasoned leadership with reckless speech. There should be a limit to unbridled desperation.
“He exploited their hopes, fed their frustrations and built a campaign on deceit and social media hysteria. The least he can do now is to retain some modicum of respect by refraining from further embarrassing statements that insult the intelligence of the same young people he deceived. True leadership demands responsibility, not recklessness; moral strength, not moral confusion.
‘’While the APC firmly believes in youth empowerment and innovation, we reject any attempt to romanticise fraud or excuse crime under the pretext of compassion. Internet fraud is not genius; it is theft, deceit and moral failure.
‘’Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, youths are being equipped with real opportunities through initiatives such as the 3MTT (Three Million Technical Talent Programme), NELFUND and digital innovation programmes that provide legitimate avenues for success.
‘’This is how responsible leadership redirects youthful potential – through empowerment and skill, not through glorification of crime.
‘’Leadership is about values, not vibes; about integrity, not impulsiveness. Obi’s latest outburst is a tragic reminder that populism without principle is a danger to democracy.
‘’APC remains committed to promoting discipline, innovation and moral rectitude as the true path to Nigeria’s greatness. Our youths deserve mentorship, not manipulation; inspiration, not incitement.’’
