In line with the reality of societal dynamics, when something seen as abnormal stays around long enough, it becomes a new normal. Of late Nigerians have invented a new name for what has hitherto been rightly known as internet fraud or Cyber Crime, the “Yahoo” things! Now , I hear people christen it as “Street Work”. Is it becoming a new normal? That’s not even the main question! The most serious question is how did we get here and why has this “new career” flourish so much in Nigeria today?
Though, not with the slightest intention to justify the dangerous “new career” , I want to expose how the governments of Nigeria ( Federal, State…) have inadvertently facilitated the ” business”.
Failed economy is a good explanation for why the teaming Nigerian youths are joining the ignominious “career”. When government has failed to provide employment and means of livelihood for its young and daring population, they will create a niche for themselves.
Failure to secure the nation is another issue! Nigerian government has failed to deploy Its security apparatus to the advantage of the nation. It’s a sheer case of negligence. If Nigerian government is intentional, there would be no hiding place for internet fraudsters.
Weak and corrupt judiciary partly explains why “YY” and “YY +” have flourished in Nigeria. Where people who are caught red in unprintable acts are handed over to the Law enforcement agencies with all the evidences, and they are allowed to go Scott free because they have the money to bribe their way out, it shows how weak and vulnerable our institutions are.
In addition, the government , through it’s agencies and commission such as the Nigerian Communication Commission can track the phone lines of those elements who involve themselves in the crime. If we lack cutting edge gadgets we can acquire them if we have the will power.
Our government cannot exornorate Itself from contributing to the rapid growth of “Yahoo Boys” ‘career’in Nigeria because they seem to lack the will power to confront the ill fated ‘career’.
If this fraud scheme is allowed to continue unchecked in our dear nation, the consequences will be too disastrous and catastrophic: it will destroy the foundation of hard work among the youths – the hope of the economy , it will create unprecedented inflation in the economy, it will neutralize our cultural and godly values, it will destroy the reputation of Nigeria internationally, just to mention but a few!
Nigerian government MUST do something, and that must be fast!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
– Rev’d Omale Wisdom Abah
For: The Nigeria That Works for All.
