Sola Benson

Popular Nigerian social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has announced a temporary withdrawal from all social media platforms following growing criticism of his online presence.

The activist disclosed his decision in a video shared on his Instagram page, where he addressed claims that his content has been diverting the attention of Nigerian youths from pressing national concerns, particularly issues surrounding governance and accountability.

According to him, the accusations prompted a period of reflection, leading to his decision to step back in order to allow greater focus on civic engagement. He explained that his absence is intended to encourage young Nigerians to channel their energy toward demanding better leadership, participating in protests, and holding public officials accountable.

VDM stated that he would suspend all activity across major platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, emphasizing that the break is total and not selective. Speaking partly in Pidgin English, he made it clear that he would neither post nor engage with content during this period.

He also used the opportunity to call on fellow influencers, celebrities, and activists to intensify their efforts, urging them to remain vocal and proactive in addressing societal issues while he remains offline.

Describing his move as deliberate, VDM said it is meant to create room for new and existing voices to lead conversations around governance and social responsibility. He stressed the importance of collective action, noting that the push for accountability should not depend on any single individual.

The commentator concluded by reiterating that his hiatus will last until further notice, maintaining that the broader goal is to strengthen public participation in national discourse.