Former minister of petroleum resources in Nigeria, Diezani Alison-Madueke launched an astonishing tirade against internet scammers popularly known as “Yahoo Boys” claiming that these fraudsters are now frontiers and role models in the country, a trend which she sees as a drop in moral values.
Diezani, who has left the country since 2015 made the remarks while delivering a virtual lecture organised by the Ijaw National Development Group on Friday.
In a quest to sensitize the Ijaw youths, she said that: “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 it has 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.”
The former minister further laid emphasis on the need for youths to quit daydreaming rapid success but embrace hard work with perseverance. She said: “There are no shortcuts to working your way up the ladder of life. Progressing in life, in work and relationships – marital or otherwise – is always dependent on consistent effort and hard work.
“As we create more responsible young men, we will generate more responsible fathers which will in turn engender a more sustainable society and build a greater nation of successful Ijaw men and women.”
However, the resonating admonition has been perceived as sour grapes fussed in sweet tea by Nigerian celebrities. These stars have heavily criticized Diezani for pointing fingers at others whom she has similitude with as she was under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, for alleged fraud in billions of dollars but evaded prosecution.through the diplomatic passport she obtained after being appointed as Commissioner for Trade and Investment of Commonwealth of Dominica.
Nigerian rapper, Folarin Falana, known as Falz reminded Nigerians he is still the best rapper in the country as he shaded Diezani’s comment with a post on Instagram that looked like a rhyme. He said: “You are on the run, but your mouth still dey run. Who be Yahoo Yahoo girl if no be you ?”
Media personality, Bolanle Olukanni also said wrote on Twitter that: “Our country is beyond repair at this rate. Diezani who has stolen billions and has the bloody balls to give a speech on how Yahoo boys are destroying Nigeria. And she knows she can do this and nothing will happen to her because our government is weak! And joke.”
“How do you tell people, how do you tell us young people to work hard and do what is right when bullshit like this is happening!! Like how ??!! The hypocrisy in this country.”
Talk show host on The Beat 99.9 FM Lagos, Tolu Oniru, popularly known as Toolz did not restrain herself from airing a response saying: “See normally I would laugh but this is so ridiculous. This lady must have lost her damn mind to come online and spew this nonsense. How are you different from a fraudster ma? She actually has no shame, which is sadly common for a lot of our (present and past) politicians,” she wrote on Twitter.
