₦airaland Forum

The oppression of young voices is a dangerous path that we must not normalize - Peter Obi condemns arrest of VDM

Politician and 2023 presidential candidate of the
Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter
Obi, has condemned the manner in which social
critic, Martins Otse aka Very Dark Man, was
arrested last Friday, May 2.


In a post shared on his X handle, Obi stated that
the way VDM was picked up by the security
agents, said to be EFCC operatives, has left
many Nigerians unsettled.


He argued that the backlash the bank he was
picked up from has faced since his arrest will
further erode Nigeria's fragile investors' confidence. He opined that the oppression of
young voices, whether through force, patronage,
or intimidation, is a dangerous path that we must
not normalise.



His post reads

‘’The Recent developments in our nation continue to raise serious concerns about the direction we are headed as a democracy. The tension in the land aggravated by hardship is being needlessly fueled by our attitude to the rule of law and human rights.


The arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), though perhaps within the legal rights of security agencies, was carried out in a manner that left many Nigerians unsettled.


The display of force, lacking in transparency and civility, closely resembled an abduction, a disturbing method that not only creates fear but also risks being mimicked by criminal elements. If Nigerians begin to struggle to
distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.


This trend is not new. We must recall that even our esteemed judges, the last line of defence for justice, have suffered similar indignities in recent years. When those who interpret the law are treated with such
disregard, it is difficult to expect that ordinary
citizens will feel protected under the law.


Moreover, these methods are beginning to affect our economy and business environment. The backlash directed at GTBank, allegedly linked to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Otse’s arrest, has had
serious reputational consequences. At a time when investor confidence is already fragile, we must do all we can to avoid actions that tarnish institutions or undermine the trust of both citizens and the international community.


One cannot help but 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? Similarly troubling are allegations surrounding
the so-called adoption of the NANS President If true, it raises critical questions about the independence of student leadership and the subtle erosion of young voices in our democracy. Nigeria’s youth should not feel
coerced, silenced, or absorbed into political agendas that do not reflect their will. The oppression of young voices, whether through force, patronage, or intimidation, is a dangerous path that we must not normalize.


We must return to a Nigeria where justice is done and is seen to be done without theatrics or abuse. A country where youth can speak freely, judges can serve with dignity, and institutions act responsibly. That is the
Nigeria we must rebuild.

A new Nigeria is POssible! –PO''

[img]https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/eppddddd_1746362732.PNG[/img]

https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2025/5/the-oppression-of-young-voices-is-a-dangerous-path-that-we-must-not-normalize-peter-obi-condemns-arrest-of-vdm-2.html

Our president has spoken

VDM himself should have been more careful everything no be by muscles.

I swear this Peter Obi is just insensitive.

Do you know the allegations against VDM? How are sure if the allegations is true or not.

EFCC arresting VDM, they must have gathered enough evidence but as insensitive Peter Obi is, he has started reacting like nuclear reactor.

Just forget about your presidential ambition, you can never be Nigeria president

Annoyingly, his supporters have turned the issue into tribal matter. So as how all of them are just insensitive.

Crazy people everywhere

Ibo presidential candidate have spoken.

Imagine condemning something you don't even have a clue about the allegations against VDM is all about.

Is it cheap attention seeking or what precisely?

Even those who claimed of closing their GTB bank account , they have no clue about the allegations.

Very insensitive people

VDM

DonBenny77:
Our president has spoken

WRONG!

Peter Obi will NEVER be President ✍🏾

The president that would have saved Nigeria faster.

Warrior99:
WRONG!

Peter Obi will NEVER be President ✍🏾

He still has the chance of becoming the Agulu spare part traders president

helinues:
Imagine condemning something you don't even have a clue about the allegations against VDM is all about.

Is it cheap attention seeking or what precisely?

Even those who claimed of closing their GTB bank account , they have no clue about the allegations.

Very insensitive people

He's a very senseless man, that's how he was defending drug dealers in Anambra against NAFDAC. From the manner at which he speaks carelessly, one would know he's not even fit as a LG Chairman. I'm not surprised his right hand man, Obaze has dumped him.

helinues:
I swear this Peter Obi is just insensitive.

Do you know the allegations against VDM? How are sure if the allegations is true or not.

EFCC arresting VDM, they must have gathered enough evidence but as insensitive Peter Obi is, he has started reacting like nuclear reactor.

Just forget about your presidential ambition, you can never be Nigeria president

Annoyingly, his supporters have turned the issue into tribal matter. So as how all of them are just insensitive.

Crazy people everywhere

Reno omokri will soon come for him

helinues:
I swear this Peter Obi is just insensitive.

Do you know the allegations against VDM? How are sure if the allegations is true or not.

EFCC arresting VDM, they must have gathered enough evidence but as insensitive Peter Obi is, he has started reacting like nuclear reactor.

Just forget about your presidential ambition, you can never be Nigeria president

Annoyingly, his supporters have turned the issue into tribal matter. So as how all of them are just insensitive.

Crazy people everywhere

So what happens to inviting him if they had something on him?

What allegations are we even talking about here?

Where's Yaya Bello?

I don forget say you no be normal human being befor

Why this man like to dey put mouth for everything.

EFCC was formed by Obasanjo in 2003 to go after corrupt politicians who steal billions meant for the masses but today EFCC have left that primary role to go after ordinary Nigerians who voice their opinions or who the government just doesn’t like. Is this the democracy Nigerians worked for and shed blood to materialize in 1999? Peter Obi is today unarguably the only voice speaking for the masses and downtrodden in society who are traumatized by tinubu disastrous leadership

ExAngel007:
The oppression of young voices is a dangerous path that we must not normalize - Peter Obi condemns arrest of VDM

Politician and 2023 presidential candidate of the
Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter
Obi, has condemned the manner in which social
critic, Martins Otse aka Very Dark Man, was
arrested last Friday, May 2.


In a post shared on his X handle, Obi stated that
the way VDM was picked up by the security
agents, said to be EFCC operatives, has left
many Nigerians unsettled.


He argued that the backlash the bank he was
picked up from has faced since his arrest will
further erode Nigeria's fragile investors' confidence. He opined that the oppression of
young voices, whether through force, patronage,
or intimidation, is a dangerous path that we must
not normalise.



His post reads



[img]https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/eppddddd_1746362732.PNG[/img]

https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2025/5/the-oppression-of-young-voices-is-a-dangerous-path-that-we-must-not-normalize-peter-obi-condemns-arrest-of-vdm-2.html

thank you Peter obi ✅

Thiefobi1:
Ibo presidential candidate have spoken.

Ibo's make good of anything they are involved in..ask the British why the utilized only ibo as administrators during the colonial era to the envy of bigots like you.... Nigeria will be the best African country if the ibo run the mechanism.

Merit is inborn in ibo........look at the mess the current dispensation is making and even the past dispensation are you not ashamed?

Warrior99:
WRONG!

Peter Obi will NEVER be President ✍🏾

If not for rigging Peter obi won the last election. This time the youth will never allow rigging watch and see

PO is the most qualified.



Only spirits and never do wells will vote this same experience for another 4 years.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ax8HyEBMFU

zero8zero:
He's a very senseless man, that's how he was defending drug dealers in Anambra against NAFDAC. From the manner at which he speaks carelessly, one would know he's not even fit as a LG Chairman. I'm not surprised his right hand man, Obaze has dumped him.

Bro, what if the allegations are true against VDM, is Peter Obi going to retract this condemnation?

He should stop behaving like a toddler jare

zeuss:
If not for rigging Peter obi won the last election. This time the youth will never allow rigging watch and see

PO is the most qualified.



Only spirits and never do wells will vote this same experience for another 4 years.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ax8HyEBMFU

Look, OBI will never be president.

God did not give it to him.

zeuss:
If not for rigging Peter obi won the last election. This time the youth will never allow rigging watch and see

PO is the most qualified.



Only spirits and never do wells will vote this same experience for another 4 years.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ax8HyEBMFU

So Atiku also rigged to became second in the election ahead of Peter Obi

Make una dey think before dropping una opata

helinues:
I swear this Peter Obi is just insensitive.

Do you know the allegations against VDM? How are sure if the allegations is true or not.

EFCC arresting VDM, they must have gathered enough evidence but as insensitive Peter Obi is, he has started reacting like nuclear reactor.

Just forget about your presidential ambition, you can never be Nigeria president

Annoyingly, his supporters have turned the issue into tribal matter. So as how all of them are just insensitive.

Crazy people everywhere

Did you people miss the part where Peter Obi said

The arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), though perhaps within the legal rights of security agencies, was carried out in a manner that left many Nigerians unsettled.


Peter Obi is not condemning the arrest, but the manner of arrest. How can someone go to a bank to clarify issues relating with his mother's account, only to himself locked in the bank premises, beaten up and bundled away with no explanation?


So you guys don't see anything wrong here

gidgiddy:
Did you people miss the part where Peter Obi said

The arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), though perhaps within the legal rights of security agencies, was carried out in a manner that left many Nigerians unsettled.


Peter Obi is not condemning the arrest, but the manner of arrest. How can someone go to a bank to clarify issues relating with his mother's account, only to himself locked in the bank premises, beaten up and bundled away with no explanation?


So you guys don't see anything wrong here

What excuse do you want to give. So for your mind, VDM was willing to be arrested hence he didn't put any resistance?

Like I said above, Like Peter Obi like his supporters, una reasonings are alike

Not all the time you guys should be defending Peter Obi even when it's obvious he is reckless.

If the allegations against VDM is true, is Peter Obi going to retract his condemnation?

helinues:
So Atiku also rigged to became second in the election ahead of Peter Obi

Make una dey think before dropping una opata

wake up ......

Toor

zeuss:
wake up ......

You dey awake yet nothing wey una dey support come close to reality.

Hahaha

Warrior99:
Look, OBI will never be president.

God did not give it to him.

The voice of the people is the voice of God.
Rigging will not be entertained.

Online president,can’t he go to efcc office to ask for his release?.officer in charge of condemn

Online president,can’t he go to efcc office to ask for his release?…always trying to trigger the emotional vulnerability of come youths

ambale:
So what happens to inviting him if they had something on him?

What allegations are we even talking about here?

Where's Yaya Bello?

I don forget say you no be normal human being befor

🤣🤣🤣

helinues:
You dey awake yet nothing wey una dey support come close to reality.

Hahaha

Lagos and Abuja could not be rigged because people are awake....now the entire country is awake.....only bigots and never do well would wish this punishment of evil to continue.