Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), says he has received threats from some Northern Nigerian “influencers” after posting criticism about governance in the region. In a video shared on his official social media pages, VDM claims that people who identify as Northern/Arewa influencers reacted angrily to his recent comments and that some sent direct threats to him via private messages. He says he is not intimidated and states he can safely visit any part of Northern Nigeria.
VDM says his critique is directed at political leaders and governance failures rather than ordinary Northern Nigerians. He argues that Northern Nigeria is held back by politicians and cites issues including insecurity, poverty, and limited economic opportunities. He also criticises what he describes as ineffective empowerment initiatives, mentioning a Kano State programme in which he says plates were distributed to beneficiaries, which he characterizes as “empowering poverty.”
He urges those criticising him to focus on holding politicians accountable rather than attacking him.
