Photo: Mrs Gloria Diri, Bayelsa First Lady
By Mandy Park
The National President of the Niger Delta Nonviolence Agitators Forum (NDNAF), Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, has criticised social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), accusing him of lacking moral upbringing and showing disrespect to constituted authority.
In a strongly worded statement issued on March 25, Ikuli condemned what he described as “misguided and senseless vituperation” by the influencer, particularly directed at the First Lady of Bayelsa State, Gloria Diri.
Ikuli said the conduct of Otse reflects poor upbringing and a broader systemic failure that has enabled such behaviour to thrive.
According to him, in more structured societies, individuals exhibiting similar tendencies would be channelled into productive ventures through skills acquisition programmes.
The NDNAF president stressed that African culture places a high premium on respect for elders and institutions, urging young people to express grievances responsibly, regardless of provocation.
He noted that many educated Nigerian youths have continued to demonstrate maturity and decorum in public discourse.
Defending the Bayelsa First Lady, Ikuli described her as “a mother of multitudes,” commending her for what he called her proactive and compassionate intervention in the case involving a victim identified as Miss Nancy.
He said her actions were driven by goodwill and benevolence, which should not be trivialised.
He further emphasised that by virtue of her position, the First Lady deserves respect from all citizens, adding that Bayelsa State is home to numerous accomplished young people contributing positively across various sectors globally.
Ikuli also referenced the state’s leadership, noting that Governor Douye Diri holds a revered position within the Ijaw nation, which, he said, extends similar regard to his wife.
In a broader appeal, the NDNAF president cautioned against the misuse of activism as a tool for intimidation or misinformation, urging influencers to adopt a more constructive approach to advocacy.
He concluded by calling for calm, restraint, and mutual respect among all parties, stressing the need for an amicable resolution to the matter.
