The suspension of Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has sparked a response from Nigerian media personality Daddy Freeze, renowned for his provocative viewpoints. Reacting to the allegations of fraud against Edu, the youngest minister in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, Daddy Freeze conveyed his unorthodox preference for “old thieving” politicians over their younger counterparts.
Daddy Freeze justified his stance by emphasizing the seasoned politicians’ understanding of the system, suggesting that their experience might lead to a more discreet or cautious approach to corruption compared to their younger counterparts. He pointed out Edu’s alleged involvement in corruption emerging just five months into her tenure, implying that her relative inexperience may have led to her swift exposure. In contrast, Daddy Freeze noted that it often takes years before older politicians are caught, if at all.
During an Instagram live session with his followers, Daddy Freeze expounded on his viewpoint, stating, “I don’t want youths to lead Nigeria. I would rather have an old thief that understands the system than a young thief that would just steal the system senselessly.” He went further to criticize some Nigerian youth, claiming a lack of conscience, and expressed his preference for older political figures like Tinubu, Atiku, or Obi over the younger generation. The comments shed light on Daddy Freeze’s unique perspective on political leadership, favoring experience over youthfulness in navigating the complexities of governance.
While this perspective may seem unconventional, it reflects Daddy Freeze’s belief that older politicians, despite their potential flaws, possess a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the political landscape. In his eyes, this understanding could potentially lead to a more calculated and less reckless form of corruption compared to what he perceives as the impulsive actions of some younger politicians. The discussion further underscores the ongoing debates about leadership qualities and the varying expectations placed on political figures in Nigeria.
Watch the video below:
"I would rather have an old thief that understands the system than…"
– Daddy Freeze pic.twitter.com/UPiElRmixX
— 🐬 @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) January 9, 2024