Social media commentator Daniel Regha has taken a swipe at the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his recent remarks about internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as Yahoo boys.
In a post shared via his verified X handle, Obi stated that some of Nigeria’s Yahoo boys are actually “geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.”
The former Anambra State governor made this remark while speaking to youths at an event titled “Money Beyond Wealth” held at All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha.
Obi Advocates for Youth Redirection
Obi explained that the program was aimed at addressing the rising obsession with material wealth among Nigerian youths.
He noted that he used the occasion to remind them that genuine wealth is rooted in “integrity, character, and purpose,” not just financial gain.
According to Obi, some young people involved in cybercrime display extraordinary creativity and boldness that could fuel innovation if properly harnessed.
He said, “I told the youths that some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.”
“Our challenge,” he added, “is to channel their energy from deception to productive enterprise.”
Daniel Regha Responds
Reacting to Obi’s statement, Daniel Regha strongly disagreed, accusing the politician of indirectly supporting criminal acts.
In his words: “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 criticism has since sparked heated discussions online, with Nigerians split over Obi’s perspective while some applauded his call for youth reform, others argued that crime should never be justified under any circumstance.
