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VeryDarkMan: A pain to many
VeryDarkMan: A pain to many
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By Benjamin Njoku
His name didn’t ring a bell with some social media users before now. But suddenly, Martins Vincent Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan ,VDM, has become a formidable force in the Nigerian digital space.
In fact, the fear of VDM is the beginning of wisdom, as many of his victims, whom he has dragged on social media platforms for one reason or the other, will live to tell their stories in a hard way.
For some, VDM is a refreshing and fearless crusader, while others see the Edo state born social media activist as an enemy of society,who’s propagating hate, provocation and intolerance. But like him or hate him, VDM remains the new conscience of the society, whose mission is to fight against injustice no matter whose ox is gored as well as helping others. Since his emergence on the digital space a few months back, VDM has fought many fearless battles, stepped on many toes and ended up cooling his feet in the police custody.
His boldness has earned him a large following on social media, having been using his platform to speak out against social injustices and hypocrisy. Though his modus operandi may have been called into question, with many accusing him of normalizing hate and toxicity. But VDM is highly unrepentant of his provocative videos, statements and commentaries on social media.
One of his most recent and widely publicized confrontations was his battle with Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, founder and head prophet of MercyLand Deliverance Ministry, Warri, Delta State. His feud with the Prophet stemmed from the commercialization of religious items, with VDM accusing Jeremiah of exploiting his followers by selling items such as miracle water and soap which he claimed could perform miracles.
The clash quickly escalated, drawing supporters and detractors from both sides, to a point that the prophet threatened a N1bn lawsuit against the popular social critic, which he later dropped, after VDM stormed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) office, where he filed a complaint against Prophet Jeremiah’s products. Eventually, the clergyman was forced to reverse his decision to sell his popular miracle water and soap to his church members again.
VDM’s latest battle, which is currently making headlines has do with the viral audio he released on Instagram days back, where the controversial cross-dresser Bobrisky was said to have bribed some unnamed EFCC operatives with N15 million to drop money laundering charges against him, prior to his being sent to prison for abuse of the naira.
The allegation has since gone viral, drawing the attention of both the government and the different professional bodies and agencies, including the EFCC, who has constituted a team of investigators to look into the allegations.
This is even as popular rapper, Folarin Falana, aka Falz and his human rights lawyer-father, Femi Falana, who are also joined in the saga have threatened legal action against the fearless VDM. Both father and the son are demanding a retraction within 24 hours of VeryDarkMan’s remarks insinuating that Falz and his father were going to procure presidential pardon for convicted Bobrisky. However, responding to the threat, VDM denied defaming Femi Falana, saying “Uncle Femi Falana is someone that I respect 100 per cent, not because of his position as a SAN but because of what he has used the position to do, representing people like me that speak against ills in the society”. On Falz, VDM said, ”I expected you to address your letter to Bobrisky that called your name in that recording and not to me. I did not defame you”
Not long ago, VDM also called out the likes of Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, Ashumsy among others that sparked uncontrollable reactions on social media. In the case of Ashumsy, a social media influencer who received N1 million from a small businessman for advertising services but failed to deliver, VDM called her out on social media, which forced her to return the money unconditionally, while crying and begging the social crusader to let her be. Indeed, many are wondering about the role VDM has assigned to himself as another Shakespare’s ‘Daniel’ in Merchant of Venice that has come to judgment.
By Benedict Binebai
Manipulative history often distorts the truth by presenting a biased interpretation of events, omitting key facts, and misrepresenting evidence to fit a specific narrative or ideology. This can be achieved through propaganda, simplification, or stereotyping, which can be used to influence opinions or beliefs.The Itsekiri history of Warri justifies the subheadings of manipulative history in the following ways:
Biased Interpretation
The Itsekiri narrative often portrays themselves as the sole founders and owners of Warri, downplaying the roles and contributions of other communities, such as the Urhobo and Ijaw. This selective presentation of facts supports a predetermined narrative of Itsekiri dominance and ownership.
Omission of Key Facts
The Itsekiri narrative often omits or glosses over the historical conflicts and power struggles between the Itsekiri and other communities, such as the Urhobo and Ijaw. This omission of key facts creates an incomplete and inaccurate picture of Warri’s history.
Distortion of Evidence
The Itsekiri narrative often misrepresents or manipulates historical evidence to support their claims to dominance and ownership. For example, they may emphasize their historical relationships with European colonizers to justify their perceived superiority over other communities.
Propaganda
The narrative often uses emotive language and loaded terminology to influence readers’ opinions or beliefs. For example, they use terms like “founding fathers” or “traditional owners” to emphasize their perceived historical rights and privileges.
Simplification or Stereotyping
The Itsekiri narrative often oversimplifies the complex historical relationships between the Itsekiri and other communities, portraying themselves as the sole beneficiaries of Western education, Christianity, and modernization. This oversimplification perpetuates negative stereotypes about other communities and reinforces Itsekiri exceptionalism.
Lack of Transparency
The Itsekiri narrative often lacks transparency regarding its sources, methods, and potential biases. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to evaluate the historical narrative critically and identify potential manipulations or distortions.
Emotional Manipulation
The Itsekiri narrative often uses emotive appeals or sensationalism to elicit a specific response or reaction from readers. For example, they may emphasize their historical cultural heritage or traditional practices to evoke a sense of nostalgia or pride, while downplaying the cultural heritage and traditions of other communities.
By examining the Itsekiri history of Warri through these subheadings, it becomes clear that the narrative exhibits characteristics of manipulative history, which can be used to justify a particular agenda or ideology.
Consequences of Manipulative History
Manipulative history can have far-reaching consequences, including the perpetuation of biases and stereotypes, justification of oppression or dominance, and erosion of trust in historical narratives and institutions. By distorting the past, manipulative history can create a false narrative that supports a particular agenda or ideology, leading to ongoing social and cultural tensions. This can contribute to polarization and conflict, as certain groups may feel marginalized or excluded from the dominant narrative.
The consequences of manipulative history can also be seen in the loss of cultural heritage and the undermining of critical thinking. By erasing or distorting certain narratives or perspectives, manipulative history can lead to a lack of understanding and appreciation for the complexities of the past. Furthermore, manipulative history can inform poor decision-making and policy development in the present, as inaccurate lessons are drawn from a distorted past. Ultimately, manipulative history can have a profound impact on our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world, highlighting the importance of promoting accurate and nuanced historical narratives.
Column – IduwiniVoice
Where falsehood reigns for decades, truth can reign everlastingly. This underscores the enduring power of truth, even in the face of prolonged deception. This notion is particularly pertinent in contexts where misinformation and falsehoods have been deeply ingrained in societal narratives, such as in the case of the “Warri Falsehood” and the “Warri Truth.” Here, the city of Warri in Nigeria serves as a microcosm for the struggle between falsehood and truth, where decades of misrepresentation and distortion can be challenged by the emergence of authentic voices and narratives.
The Warri Falsehood may manifest in various forms, including historical revisionism, cultural appropriation, or the suppression of marginalised voices. For instance, the dominant narratives surrounding Warri’s history and culture may have been shaped by those in positions of power, often to the detriment of the city’s indigenous communities. However, the Warri Truth represents a counter-narrative that seeks to reclaim and reassert the authentic experiences and perspectives of the region’s people. This truth-telling can take many forms, including art, literature, and oral traditions.
The struggle between the Warri Falsehood and the Warri Truth is not merely an academic or intellectual exercise; it has real-world implications for the people of Warri and beyond. When falsehoods are allowed to reign unchecked, they can perpetuate harm, injustice, and inequality. Conversely, the emergence of truth can be a powerful catalyst for healing, reconciliation, and social change. By amplifying the voices and stories of marginalised communities, the Warri Truth can help to create a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the region’s history and culture.
Ultimately, the triumph of truth over falsehood requires a sustained commitment to critical inquiry, cultural preservation, and community engagement. As the people of Warri and other affected communities continue to challenge dominant narratives and assert their own truths, they can create a more just and equitable society. By embracing the complexities and diversity of their experiences, the Warri Truth can reign everlastingly, providing a powerful testament to the enduring power of authenticity and resilience.
Truth is God’s greatest virtue of existence; let us respect and celebrate it.
Igumugumu
Prof. Benedict Binebai
The chains that bind us come in many forms – oppression, ignorance, fear. They weigh us down, restrict our potential, and silence our voices. But there is a powerful force that can shatter these chains: truth. When we confront the truth, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable, we begin to break free from the shackles that hold us back.
Truth has a way of illuminating the darkest corners of our minds and societies. It exposes the lies, the injustices, and the inequalities that perpetuate our bondage. As we embrace the truth, we gain the strength and courage to challenge the status quo, to demand change, and to fight for our rights. The chains that once bound us begin to weaken, and we start to feel the warmth of freedom’s breeze on our skin.
Breaking chains with truth is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous process. It requires vigilance, determination, and a commitment to seeking knowledge and understanding. As we uncover more truths, we become more empowered to take control of our lives, to make informed decisions, and to shape our own destinies. The chains that once held us captive begin to crumble, and we emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
When we break chains with truth, we not only liberate ourselves, but also inspire others to do the same. Our stories, our experiences, and our triumphs become beacons of hope for those still trapped in the darkness of ignorance and oppression. As we march forward, hand in hand, truth becomes the rallying cry that unites us in our quest for freedom, justice, and equality. Together, we can shatter the chains that bind us and forge a brighter, more enlightened future.