VDM Saga: Activist seeks for NSA’s intervention, warns of national security risks

From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

Kaduna-based social commentator and public affairs analyst, Yusuf Ishaku Goje, has called on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to urgently intervene in the controversy surrounding the recent arrest of social media influencer, Martin Vincent Otse popularly known as Very Dark Man (VDM), warning that the situation could escalate into a broader national security threat if not properly managed.

In a widely circulated statement yesterday, Goje criticized the approach reportedly taken by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), cautioning that the current political and economic climate in the country demands a more sensitive and strategic handling of issues involving public figures with massive youth followership.

“A better reading of the mood of the nation, with the economic hardship biting hard, rising distrust of government and its institutions, the kickstart of 2027 political theatrics, an angry and restless youth population, and VDM’s traction among these youths—should have guided the action taken by the EFCC”, Goje said.

He warned that failure to manage the situation could inflame public sentiment and stir unrest similar to, or worse than, previous mass movements.

“The new power force as represented by the youths are mostly anti-authority, especially as there is the feeling that the system has failed them.

“If the VDM issue is not managed well, we run the risk of a bigger, combined version of the #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance uprising”* he warned.

Goje criticized the rumored heavy-handed approach taken by security operatives, saying it only serves to increase public sympathy for VDM and further fuel discontent.

“A simple official invitation, investigation, charging him to court and allowing the court to grant or deny him bail would have saved the country the rising tension.

“The rumored Gestapo approach used is counterproductive and can exacerbate the already tense situation in the country”, he argued.

He added that, “Now even people that hitherto disliked or did not take VDM seriously are becoming sympathetic.

“Many are overlooking whether he committed a crime or not, as people naturally side with the weak when in conflict with the strong, especially when it involves the government”.