VeryDarkMan: Obi warns security agents over high handedness

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has voiced his grave concern over recent developments in Nigeria, claiming that they jeopardise the nation’s democratic values.

Obi discussed the tension caused by the arrest of well-known activist Martin Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and the purported kidnapping of a divisive National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) president in a Facebook post on Sunday.

He said, “There are still significant worries about the course our democracy is taking in light of the recent events in our country. Our approach towards the rule of law and human rights is needlessly contributing to the tension that already exists in the country, which is made worse by hardship.

Obi criticised the manner in which Otse was arrested, noting that although security agencies may have acted within their legal rights, the approach lacked transparency and civility.

Although it may have been within security services’ legal powers, Obi claims that the way Martin Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was arrested left many Nigerians uneasy.

The use of force, which was opaque and impolite, was akin to kidnapping, a troubling practice that not only incites terror but also runs the risk of being imitated by criminal elements.

He cautioned that Nigeria runs the risk of losing an essential component of accountability and national security if its citizens are unable to discriminate between legitimate arrests and kidnappings.

Obi recalled similar incidents involving members of the judiciary, emphasising that when judges are treated with disrespect, the public loses faith in the justice system.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Obi commented on the tension sparked by the arrest of popular activist Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, and the alleged abduction of a factional President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

He stated, “The recent developments in our nation continue to raise serious concerns about the direction we are headed as a democracy. The tension in the land, aggravated by hardship, is being needlessly fuelled by our attitude to the rule of law and human rights.”

He warned that if Nigerians cannot distinguish between lawful arrests and abductions, the country risks losing a vital layer of national security and accountability.

Obi recalled similar incidents involving members of the judiciary, emphasising that when judges are treated with disrespect, the public loses faith in the justice system.

He warned against normalising the oppression of young voices through force, patronage, or intimidation.

Obi concluded by urging a return to a just and accountable Nigeria: “We must return to a Nigeria where justice is done and is seen to be done without theatrics or abuse. 

A country where youth can speak freely, judges can serve with dignity, and institutions act responsibly. That is the Nigeria we must rebuild. A new Nigeria is possible.”