ABUJA, Nigeria — Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, don sharply condemn the recent arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, wey dey popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). VDM, wey be social media activist, na im police arrest for Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) branch for Abuja on Friday. E come dey follow im mama wey wan fix issue wey concern unauthorized withdrawals from her bank account.
Obi describe the way wey police carry out the arrest as “unsettling” and say e be like say dem abduct am. E express serious concern over wetin e see as plenty disregard for rule of law and human rights for Nigeria. “The display of force, lacking in transparency and civility, closely resembled an abduction,” Obi talk for statement wey e release.
Obi further question say whether e no fit invite VDM in a civil and transparent way instead. E ask, “Was it impossible to invite Mr. Otse in a civil, transparent, and legal manner? Would that not have spared Nigerians, GTBank, and our national image the unnecessary shame and losses we now witness?”
The former Anambra governor talk say the way dem arrest VDM fit provoke fear for citizens and make dem lose trust in the ability of security institutions to protect people. “If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability,” Obi warn.
Obi no stop there. E also share concern about Atiku Isah, the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), wey also alleged say some people torture am and force am resign. Isah dey accuse Seyi Tinubu, wey be president Bola Tinubu son, say e dey interfere for NANS matter.
“The oppression of young voices, whether through force, patronage, or intimidation, is a dangerous path that we must not normalize,” Obi stress. E call on federal and local government to respect civil rights and uphold the principles of justice and due process.
As VDM arrest dey trend for social media, many people don begin dey express worry about the impact of such actions on the nation’s image and the economy. Obi recount how the notice of VDM’s arrest and the negative spotlight on GTBank fit discourage investors in the fragile economy.
Obi conclude as he call for a national recommitment to justice and integrity as Nigerians dey face grassroots demographic challenges. “We must return to a Nigeria where justice is done and is seen to be done without theatrics or abuse,” he said.
