Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has warned that Nigeria is facing a deep moral and systemic crisis following claims by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Olanipekun Olukoyede, that about six out of every 10 university students are involved in internet fraud.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Obi said the allegation, if accurate, reflects not just a criminal issue but a broader failure of values, leadership, and institutional accountability.
He stressed that the development should not be dismissed, noting that it raises urgent concerns about role models, governance, and the moral direction of young Nigerians.
“The worrisome statement by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that 6 out of every 10 Nigerian university students are involved in ‘419’ is deeply troubling and must not be taken lightly,” Obi said.
He warned that with an estimated 2 to 2.5 million university students in Nigeria, the country could be facing a major national emergency if the figures reflect reality.
“If indeed about 60% of them, roughly 1.4 million young people, are involved in fraud, then we are not just facing a crime issue; we are confronting a serious moral and systemic failure,” he added.
Obi linked the alleged trend to weakened societal values, arguing that young people often reflect the behaviour they observe from leaders and public institutions.
“When a system appears to reward wrongdoing, when integrity is not upheld, and when those in leadership are associated with allegations of forgery and dishonesty without consequence, it sends a dangerous message,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor called for urgent national reflection and reforms, emphasising that the issue goes beyond blaming young people.
“Nigeria must now examine itself. This is not about condemning our young people. It is about accepting that leadership sets the tone,” he stated.
He also stressed the need to rebuild integrity in governance and public life, insisting that accountability must be enforced without bias to restore public trust.
“If we do not demonstrate integrity at the top, we cannot expect it at the bottom,” he said.
Obi concluded that Nigeria must prioritise rebuilding its value system and creating an environment that rewards honesty, discipline, and hard work.
Elijah Adeyemi
No comments:
Post a Comment