A Nigerian lawyer has defended social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), amid criticism over his invitation to participate in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference.
VDM’s appearance at the conference has sparked mixed reactions, with some lawyers and other members of the public questioning his inclusion at an event largely attended by legal professionals.
‘What Is VDM Doing Among Barristers?’
Reacting to VDM’s participation, an X user identified as @Iamcalled_Nuel questioned his presence at the event.
“What is VDM doing among Barristers?”
The criticism comes amid a wider debate over whether individuals without formal legal qualifications should be given platforms at major events organised for members of the legal profession.
Lawyer Defends VDM
However, lawyer @CJKwanye disagreed with the criticism and suggested that VDM’s public interventions have made him relevant to conversations around justice and accountability.
He argued that many ordinary Nigerians now turn to the activist when they feel they have been treated unfairly.
“Because he does our job so well without getting called to the Bar, probably why people are angry.”
The lawyer further challenged legal practitioners to reflect on why some members of the public seek VDM’s intervention before approaching them.
“Common people run to him for justice before us, we should hide our faces in shame before talking,” she stated.
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