The presidential candidate of the Labour party, (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has condemned the arrest of popular social media critic, Martins Vincent Oste better known as VeryDarkMan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
TheNewsGuru reports that activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju earlier confirmed in a post on his official Facebook page on Friday evening that the social media influencer was detained and in the custody of the anti-graft agency.
This comes after it was suggested that Guaranty Trust Bank, GTB, ordered VDM’s arrest following his criticism of the bank after alleged unauthorised transactions were made from his mother’s account.
Reacting, the former presidential candidate via the microblogging platform, X former Twitter on Sunday noted that, the manner in which the social media commentator was arrested left many Nigerians unsettled.
He then added that some of the actions of security agencies, not only create fear but also risk being mimicked by criminal elements.
The former Anambra governor further raised questions about the effect of such actions on Nigeria’s democracy as touching on the rule of law and respect for human rights.
“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,” Obi wrote.
Effect On Nigeria’s Economy
Obi stressed that the current happenings around the country especially with the arrest of VeryDarkMan being the most recent will affect the image of the country negatively,adding that steps must be taken to avoid actions that undermine the trust of citizens in Nigeria’s economy and business environment.
He called for more civility in the actions of security agencies.
“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?” Obi added.