Nigerian social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has announced a temporary withdrawal from all social media platforms. The decision follows allegations that his content has been distracting Nigerian youths from holding the government accountable.
In a video posted on his Instagram handle, VeryDarkMan explained that his absence is intended to allow young Nigerians to focus fully on civic engagement and protests. “Because of the allegations and accusations that it is my posts that have been distracting the Nigerian youths from holding the government accountable, I have decided to not post again on social media during this period,” he said.
He challenged other influencers, celebrities, and activists to take over the space during his absence, adding, “I would expect all influencers and celebrities and activists to use this opportunity to take over let’s watch and see.”
Speaking further in Pidgin, he stressed that he would completely step back from all platforms. “I’ve made my decision that from today I am not going to be making any post on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube everywhere. I am going to leave you people, I am going to give you people time. That’s why I am not going to be posting. All the protest you want to do, everything that you want to do to hold the government accountable, VeryDarkMan is going to be taking a back stage,” he added.
VeryDarkMan is a prominent Nigerian social media commentator known for his outspoken criticism of public figures and government policies. His decision to step back from social media comes at a time of heightened civic activism in Nigeria, where young people have increasingly used digital platforms to organize protests and demand accountability from leaders.
The move has sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising his gesture as a way to refocus public attention on pressing national issues, while others question whether his absence will significantly impact youth engagement. His announcement also highlights the growing influence of social media personalities in shaping public discourse and mobilizing civic action in Nigeria.
As VeryDarkMan takes a break from the digital spotlight, observers will be watching to see how the online activism landscape evolves in his absence and whether other voices will step up to fill the void.
