Social media critic Daniel Regha has come down hard on Peter Obi after the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate described some internet fraudsters as “geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation.”
Obi made the statement during a youth-focused event titled “Money Beyond Wealth” at All Saints’ Cathedral in Onitsha, where he spoke about the dangers of materialism and Nigeria’s growing obsession with quick wealth.
He told the audience that real success is rooted in “integrity, character, and purpose”, not just money.
Obi went on to say that some young Nigerians involved in cybercrime possess creativity and boldness that could fuel innovation if properly channeled.
“I told the youths that 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.”
Daniel Regha wasn’t having it. In a sharp response on X, he accused Obi of excusing criminal behavior.
“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.”
