“Yahoo Boys Aren’t to Blame; Politicians Are” – Seun Kuti

 

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Afrobeat singer and activist, Seun Kuti, has once again sparked discussions over Nigeria’s global image, emphasizing that internet fraudsters, popularly known as “yahoo boys,” are not responsible for the country’s poor reputation abroad. 

According to Kuti, the blame should be placed squarely on the nation’s politicians, whose actions and conduct have far more influence on how Nigeria is perceived internationally.

Kuti argued that there is a false narrative circulating that Nigerians are disrespected because of fraudsters. 

While these individuals might be highly visible, they are not the ones who represent the nation on a global scale. “Our politicians are the reason why foreigners don’t respect Nigerians, not yahoo boys. Yahoo boys are not the people spoiling the image of our country, our politicians are,” he stated.

 He stressed that the world tends to judge a country by its most prominent citizens  the leaders, the wealthy, and the influential  not by the poor or marginalized.

In a session with Honest Bunch, captured in a short clip that is currently making waves on X, Seun Kuti reiterated these points and highlighted the urgent need for accountability among the political class.

 Fans are being reminded that a full episode featuring this discussion is scheduled to release on Monday, providing deeper insights into his critique of leadership in Nigeria.

The activist pointed out that the conduct of Nigeria’s leaders has set a poor example for the rest of the population. “If your rich people behave like this, how would the poor among you behave?” Kuti asked, emphasizing that corruption and greed at the top trickle down to ordinary citizens and shape the nation’s overall character.

 He highlighted that political leaders often hoard opportunities and resources, effectively preventing the youth from realizing their full potential.

Kuti also criticized the government’s inaction in key sectors. He noted that while Nigeria has the capacity to manage and operate its own refineries, politicians have consistently sat on such opportunities, allowing only wealthy individuals with personal resources to undertake projects that should have benefited the nation at large. 

“They sit down on all the opportunities, cordon the power, and claim that all of us are lazy youth,” he added, underlining a recurring frustration among young Nigerians.

The musician’s remarks resonate with a broader sentiment in the country: many believe that systemic corruption, mismanagement, and greed among the political elite are the primary reasons why Nigeria struggles with development and is often disrespected on the international stage.

 Rather than focusing on the few individuals engaged in illicit activities, Kuti urged citizens and leaders alike to reflect on the structural failures that perpetuate inequality and tarnish the nation’s image.

Seun Kuti’s comments serve as a reminder that a country’s reputation is largely shaped by its leadership. While fraudulent individuals exist, they are not the face of Nigeria. True accountability, transparency, and responsible leadership, he argues, are what Nigeria needs to earn genuine respect on the global stage.

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