Verydarkman Replies After APC Issued Him 7-day Ultimatum To Apologize To Akpabio

Nigerian social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM), whose real name is Martins Vincent Otse, has addressed the seven-day ultimatum issued by the All Progressives Congress (APC) demanding an apology for his comments regarding Senate President Godswill Akpabio's attendance at Pope Francis' funeral in Vatican City.

Background of the Controversy

The APC's ultimatum stemmed from a video where VDM criticized Akpabio's decision to attend the Pope's funeral amidst escalating insecurity in Nigeria. VDM described the trip as "shameful," suggesting that the Senate President should prioritize visiting communities affected by violence in states such as Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Ogun, and Enugu over attending international events.

VDM's Response

In a video posted on Instagram, VDM clarified that his intention was not to personally insult Akpabio but to highlight the plight of ordinary Nigerians suffering from insecurity and poor governance. He stated, "I want to apologize to the people of Benue, Jos, Kwara, Enugu, Edo State... those who have been victims of insurgency and insecurity. They are the ones who deserve an apology, not these politicians."

While acknowledging that some advised him to apologize due to the sensitive nature of the matter, VDM emphasized that his activism is driven by a passion for his country and not by monetary gains. He warned media outlets against being used to push propaganda, asserting, "Don't allow yourselves to be used to push propaganda. I'm here because of passion for my country, not because of money." 

Ultimatum to the Government

Turning the tables, VDM issued his own seven-day ultimatum to the federal government, demanding urgent action to address the rising cases of violence across several states. He declared, "I want to give you people seven days to climb down on all these attacks happening in Benue, Jos, and other states." He stressed that if the government failed to act, he would continue to amplify the voices of the victims and expose the failures of leadership without fear or favor.

Public Reactions

VDM's response has sparked a wave of reactions online. Some individuals have expressed support for his stance, while others have criticized him for his comments. The controversy has also led to discussions about the role of social media influencers in holding public officials accountable and the boundaries of free speech in political discourse.

Conclusion

The exchange between VDM and the APC underscores the growing influence of social media activism in Nigeria's political landscape. As the nation grapples with security challenges and governance issues, voices like VDM's continue to provoke debate and demand accountability from political leaders.