The South-South Zonal chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a one-week ultimatum to controversial social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), demanding an apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio over disparaging comments made in a recent video.
The demand was made in a statement on Sunday by the South-South APC Zonal Organising Secretary, Blessing Agbomhere, who also warned VDM to desist from further attacks against Akpabio.
VDM had, in a viral three-minute video, criticised Akpabio for leading a five-man Federal Government delegation to the Vatican for the funeral of Pope Francis. He described the Senate President’s presence at the event as “shameful,” arguing that Akpabio should have been in Nigeria addressing crises in states like Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Ogun, and Enugu.
In response, Agbomhere accused the activist of engaging in blackmail, slander, and character assassination under the guise of activism.
“VeryDarkMan is becoming notorious for blackmail, slander, and character assassination while pretending to advocate for the masses,” Agbomhere said. “The unwarranted attack on the number-three citizen of Nigeria, who was duly nominated by the President to represent the country at such a significant global event, is unjustified.”
He further clarified that Akpabio’s trip was at the behest of President Bola Tinubu, who selected him based on his impeccable character, devout Catholic faith, and suitability as a national representative.
“Being a devout Catholic and a family man with unblemished character, President Tinubu saw in Akpabio a worthy ambassador for Nigeria at the Pope’s funeral,” Agbomhere stated. “What is wrong with that?”
Agbomhere called on VDM to issue an unreserved public apology within one week and cautioned him against making further derogatory remarks about Akpabio or the Tinubu administration.
He also urged Nigerians to ignore what he termed VDM’s “uninformed ranting,” stressing that the government is working hard to tackle the security challenges inherited from previous administrations.
“Upon his return from France and the UK, President Tinubu immediately met with security chiefs and gave them fresh directives to adopt a new strategy to combat insecurity,” Agbomhere noted. “This is a clear indication of a leader committed to the safety and security of all Nigerians.”
The APC emphasized that while solving security challenges takes time, the Tinubu-led government remains fully dedicated to restoring peace and stability across the nation.
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