VDM Defends NBA Conference Invitation, Says He Was Chosen to Share Security Experiences

Social media activist and commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has defended his participation as a speaker at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference, saying his invitation was based on his firsthand experiences with insecurity and violence across the country.

Speaking during a panel session at the conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, VDM addressed concerns raised by critics who questioned his presence at a gathering largely attended by legal professionals.

He explained that his role was not to discuss legal principles but to provide insights from his encounters with victims of violent attacks and insecurity. According to him, the panel focused on security challenges affecting Nigerians, including members of the legal profession.

VDM noted that insecurity has become a major concern for judges, lawyers and ordinary citizens, citing cases of abductions and attacks that have affected various communities.

He also criticised the media for what he described as insufficient reporting on violent incidents and their long-term impact on victims and affected communities.

The activist said his perspective was shaped by visits to locations affected by attacks and other tragic events, where he witnessed the consequences of violence firsthand. He recalled responding to incidents in different parts of the country and interacting with victims and survivors.

Speaking on the violence in Yelwata, Benue State, VDM described the incident as a retaliatory attack linked to an earlier killing, stressing the need to address the root causes of recurring insecurity.

He maintained that his contribution to the NBA conference was intended to broaden discussions on security by bringing practical experiences from outside the courtroom into the conversation.