News of the Happie Boys, formerly security guards turned internet skitmakers, being deported from Cyprus to Nigeria has generated a wide range of responses from Nigerians.
The Happie Boys, whose real names are Matthew Precious Kelechi and Amakor Johnson, gained fame when they were dismissed from their jobs at ‘Chicken Republic’ for dancing on duty, a situation that garnered significant sympathy from the public.
They also received support from Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, the lead pastor of Omega Power Ministries, who sponsored their education in Cyprus. However, their fortunes took a downturn when funding for their studies ran out, and they were encouraged to return to Nigeria. Despite dropping out of school, they chose to remain in Cyprus. Prior to their reported deportation, they had been detained in Cyprus, facing the risk of being sent back to Nigeria.
Human rights lawyer Bolanle Cole, formerly on Twitter, shared an update on their situation, revealing that they had been deported and were presently in a hotel in Utako, Abuja. He tweeted, “BREAKING: Happie Boys deported to Nigeria from Cyprus, they arrived in Nigeria last night and are in one hotel in Utako, Abuja.”
Observers of the situation have described their circumstances as a ‘fall from grace to grass,’ while some have advised philanthropists against extending any form of assistance to them. Here are some of the comments:
• @Oserume1: “Another lesson on why people should not reward bad behavior!”
• @Imudia_se2: “They should go and beg Chicken Republic for employment.”
• @FruityofAbuja: “What’s the name of the hotel…I want to go for a meet and greet.”
• @OlaraonyeCA: “They will now face the reality of being Nigerians.”
• @Dharmilorlar: “Happie Boys 1 – Village People 2”