Presidential Aide Reacts To Diezani’s Remark On ‘Yahoo Boys’
The Presidency on Monday also reacted to the remark of former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison Madueke on internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo Boys.”
Diezani had said societal values have eroded to the extent that Yahoo boys have become role models for youths in the Nigerian society.
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She stated this while delivering a lecture at a virtual event, which was also attended by her former boss, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday.
Speaking at the event organised by the Ijaw National Development Group, Diezani stressed the need for mentorship of Ijaw youths.
The former minister said, “The ones that have swag, the Yahoo Yahoo boys, as my son would say; these, in short, are the role models they are looking at. These are the ones that reinforce negative societal norms and values.
“This is a travesty of an unfolding tragedy for us. Why have I spent time talking about fatherless homes and the impact they have on our children? The truth of the matter is that an irresponsible boy tends to become an irresponsible man and it is therefore a vicious cycle. If you plant yam, you cannot harvest plantain.”
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But Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on new media, Basir Ahmed, in his reaction to the ex- minister’s statement, called on Nigerians to rather, accept the message, but not the messenger.
Ahmed said: “Diezani on Yahoo Boys; great message, so take the message and leave the messenger, since the message ≠ the messenger!”
Ahmed’s reaction may not be unconnected to the fact that former minister is also wanted for alleged multiple charges of corruption and embezzlement.
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She is held up in the UK where she is also being investigated for money laundering.
