Mr Unwise Criticises VDM’s School Wall Painting, Says Sowore Is a Better Role Model for Children

‘The So-Called Men of God in Nigeria Have No Power’ - VDM Blasts Religious Leaders Over Arome’s Relocation

 

Social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has criticised prominent Nigerian religious leaders while questioning Pastor Arome Osayi’s decision to obtain permanent residence in the United States.

VDM’s comments followed a video showing Pastor Arome and his wife announcing that they had obtained permanent residence in the United States.

The development prompted VDM to revisit an earlier teaching by Pastor Arome about the different “callings” of nations. Arome had said that nations have different callings and described Nigeria’s calling as revival.

VDM questioned the message in relation to Arome’s decision to relocate his family to the United States, arguing that the country has encouraged its youths to think beyond conventional boundaries and pursue technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

“You moved your family to a country that is not built with prayers, that the youths were encouraged to think outside the box,” VDM said.

He referenced American entrepreneurs including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk while arguing that Nigerian youths should also be encouraged to pursue creativity, technology and practical development.

VDM then broadened his criticism to prominent Nigerian religious leaders, questioning the effectiveness of years of prayers against what they describe as the devil.

“These people do not have powers. This so-called man of God in Nigeria have no power,” he said.

He mentioned Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and the late TB Joshua while questioning how long religious leaders had been praying against the devil.

“All of them put together, they have been playing against one devil for the longest,” VDM said.

He also questioned the idea that religious leaders should be beyond criticism simply because they are regarded as men of God.

“If I talk about them, dem go say I’m cursed. Don’t talk about the man of God,” he said.

VDM further argued that he also considers himself called to a particular purpose and questioned why his views should be dismissed because he challenges religious leaders.

“Do you think they have power over me? Me wey God called too, my calling is 100 percent. It is to open the eyes of these youths in person. That is why I exist,” VDM said.

VDM also spoke about his plans involving China, saying he intends to take people there and return to Nigeria to put what they learn into action.

“I have a plan. I have a dream. One day Nigeria will be great,” he said.

The comments have added to the debate surrounding Pastor Arome’s views on Nigeria’s spiritual calling, particularly the relationship between prayer, faith, innovation and national development.

While Pastor Arome’s earlier remarks focused on his view of Nigeria’s spiritual role, VDM has used the preacher’s relocation to the United States to question how such teachings should be understood alongside the technological and economic development of other countries.

VDM’s statements about the effectiveness or otherwise of religious leaders are his personal views and were not independently established by the comments themselves.

You Can’t Correct The System By Belittling The Profession, Daniel Regha Slams VDM Over Comments on Nigerian Lawyers

Social media commentator Daniel Regha has criticised Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over his recent comments about lawyers and the legal profession.

Regha argued that VDM’s lack of formal legal training means he may not fully understand the education, experience and professional requirements involved in becoming a practising lawyer in Nigeria.

Reacting to the controversy surrounding VDM’s appearance at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference, Regha said the activist had no justification for ridiculing the legal profession as a whole, while questioning why he was invited to the event in the first place.

He also criticised the NBA, saying the association should take responsibility for the controversy if VDM’s appearance was not deliberately planned.

Regha further pointed to the role of lawyers in defending citizens’ rights, noting that lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who has previously assisted VDM, had come to his aid on several occasions.

According to him, the presence of incompetent individuals in a profession does not make the entire profession incompetent.

He said the legal profession, like every other field, has both competent and incompetent practitioners, adding that criticising individuals within a system should not translate into disrespect for the entire profession.

Regha also warned Nigerians against supporting blanket attacks on lawyers for social media engagement while expecting the same professionals to defend citizens during protests, elections or legal disputes.

He argued that meaningful reform should focus on addressing individuals and institutional weaknesses rather than belittling an entire profession.

Police Challenge VDM to Provide Evidence of Officers’ Alleged Links to Kidnappers

The Nigeria Police Force has challenged social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to provide evidence backing his allegation that some police officers at checkpoints along major highways provide information to kidnappers and bandits about travellers.

The Force made its position known in a statement issued by its Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, following comments reportedly made by VDM at the Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt.

VDM had alleged that police officers manning checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and allegedly pass information about their identities and movements to criminal groups, who then use the information to facilitate kidnappings for ransom.

Reacting to the allegation, the police said it takes claims concerning the conduct of its personnel seriously but described the specific accusations as unsubstantiated.

According to the Force, allegations of such magnitude require credible evidence and said that no such evidence had been presented to support the claims.

The police maintained that officers deployed to checkpoints and other locations across the country are tasked with preventing crime, detecting criminal activities and protecting citizens rather than facilitating kidnapping.

The Force also pointed to the risks faced by its personnel, noting that police officers have been ambushed, attacked and killed by terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminals.

It said police stations, formations and operational equipment have equally been targeted by criminal groups.

The Force further rejected what it described as blanket accusations against its personnel, saying hundreds of thousands of police officers continue to perform their duties under difficult and dangerous conditions.

It acknowledged that individual officers who compromise their duties would be subjected to disciplinary measures and prosecution where wrongdoing is established.

However, the police argued that the entire institution should not be condemned based on allegations made publicly without supporting evidence.

The Force subsequently invited VDM to submit the evidence behind his claims, particularly any information showing that officers at checkpoints identify wealthy individuals and subsequently transmit their details or movements to kidnappers.

It assured that any credible evidence submitted would be treated with urgency and thoroughly investigated.

The police also urged members of the public who have evidence of misconduct by officers to report such cases through appropriate channels rather than relying solely on public allegations.

The Force reiterated its commitment to investigating credible allegations of misconduct and taking action against officers found to have violated the law.

It, however, warned against what it described as unverified allegations capable of undermining public confidence in national security institutions.

The police said legitimate criticism remains important for accountability but urged the public to distinguish between criticism supported by evidence and claims that could damage public trust and national security.

“I’ll Be Waiting for You” — VDM Dares Davido to Maintain Anti-APC Voice Ahead of 2027

Social media commentator and activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) has challenged Nigerian singer Davido to maintain the same political energy he displayed during the Osun State governorship election when the 2027 general elections arrive.

VDM said he would be watching to see whether Davido would openly speak against the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the next general election, recalling the singer’s reported support for his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, during the governorship election.

“I will just be waiting for Davido in 2027 election. That’s when I’ll be waiting for him,” VDM said.

According to the activist, members of the Adeleke family were vocal in their opposition to the APC during the Osun election and openly criticised the party.

“Your family was involved, they were very active, they bash APC, XYZ. I hope say in 2027, your voice go loud,” he said.

VDM challenged Davido to maintain the same position during the 2027 elections, saying he expected the singer to openly tell Nigerians not to vote for the APC if that remained his political position.

“I just hope we’ll hear you that time to say okay, yes, don’t vote APC,” he added.

The activist also questioned what he described as the double standards surrounding political influence and family dominance in Osun State.

VDM argued that public reactions might have been different if another prominent political family had exercised the same level of influence in the state.

He further expressed disappointment over the level of development in Osun State, saying he expected more progress given the international exposure and resources associated with members of the Adeleke family.

“I was disappointed. I’m not even going to lie,” VDM said.

He specifically mentioned Davido, B-Red and Sina Rambo, noting that they had travelled outside Nigeria and could draw from experiences abroad to contribute to the development of the state.

VDM urged the Adeleke family to use the next four years to improve Osun State and deliver more development to its residents.

“I’m a patriotic citizen of this country,” he said, stressing that he would continue to speak his mind regardless of criticism.

Turning directly to Davido, VDM said the singer should be prepared to repeat his position against the APC when the 2027 elections arrive.

“I hope you come out in 2027 to come and stand. All wetin you talk about APC, you’ll need to repeat them in 2027,” he said.

The comments come after the Osun governorship election, where political activities involving the Adeleke family attracted significant public attention.

VDM’s remarks have now placed attention on whether Davido will take an equally vocal position on national politics as the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections approach.