VDM’s NBA Invitation Sparks Debate Among Lawyers

The invitation of social commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, as a panelist at the ongoing 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday has sparked a debate among lawyers and other commentators.

While some lawyers described Otse as a “gross misfit” for an NBA conference, others defended his participation, arguing that his experience and public advocacy on insecurity gave him a relevant perspective on the subject.

Otse’s participation came during a panel on “Known Gunmen or Unknown Gunmen”, where he shared his experiences covering insecurity and visiting communities affected by killings and attacks.

He alleged that the government and security agencies benefited financially from insecurity while citizens remained “sacrificial lambs”.

He also alleged that cattle were being used to launder money and accused some security personnel of facilitating criminal activities.

The debate also raised questions about whether the legal profession was more concerned with Otse’s presence than deeper problems within the judiciary and the profession.

Reacting on X, former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof Chidi Odinkalu, said critics appeared more concerned about Otse’s “get up or POV” than allegations that some lawyers give bribes, some judges take bribes and some judges even deliver judgments not written by them.

“We refuse to #SmellTheCoffee,” Odinkalu said.

He was responding to Sean Carter, who argued that the legal profession must “sanitise itself” or risk becoming “errand boys and girls for corrupt Nigerian politicians”.

In his post on X, Carter argued that many of those reacting to VeryDarkMan’s invitation to the Nigerian Bar Association’s conference were missing the central issue.

He said, “Most of the people responding, hopefully lawyers, are missing the point. If the Nigerian legal community does not sanitise itself, they’ll remain reduced to errand boys and girls for corrupt Nigerian politicians!”

Carter added that, in a “sane country”, Otse would not have the standing he currently enjoys.

“In a sane country, VDM whatever should be a bouncer at a local pub and no more!” he said.

However, he argued that the conduct of the legal profession had created an environment in which lawyers could not reasonably object to criticism from social media commentators.

“But as long as we have the ‘on your mandate we stand’ chanting legal system, then you are not beneath a content creator’s feedback!” Carter said.

But lawyer Chinemerem, known as “The Locus in Quo” on X, said that was precisely why an elite gathering such as the NBA conference should feature policy experts capable of addressing systemic problems rather than social media commentators seeking a “viral moment”.

Another lawyer John Olonade also criticised the invitation, describing Otse as a “gross misfit” at an NBA conference and saying lawyers defending the decision were being dishonest.

However, Chinalu Okorie defended the NBA’s choice, arguing that professionals could benefit from the experiences of people outside the legal field.

He asked whether lawyers interested in entertainment law would reject a session featuring musician Odumodublvck or content creator Peller discussing music, social media and streaming.

Another, Jacob Sule, also backed Otse, saying expertise was not always defined by professional titles.

“Sometimes, it is demonstrated by knowledge, experience, public engagement, and the ability to speak credibly on an issue,” Sule said.

He argued that Otse’s experience visiting communities affected by violence gave him a perspective many lawyers might not possess.

Hamzat Muhammedjamiu similarly praised Otse’s activism, saying he had helped oppressed people seek justice and held individuals and organisations accountable.

But Emmanuel Ogar urged critics not to measure lawyers’ contributions by social media visibility, saying many practitioners quietly handle cases and resolve disputes without publicising their work.

Habeeb Gobir, said Otse’s personality or the fact that he was not a lawyer should not automatically disqualify him.

“If the NBA invited him to speak, the question should be whether he had something relevant to contribute and whether he delivered on the assignment,” Gobir said.

He added, “Lawyers should not turn the profession into a gated community. Law is not a cult, and we do not have a monopoly on conversations about justice, human rights or the rule of law.”