VeryDarkMan: Law has lost its noble status

Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has criticised the Nigerian legal profession, arguing that law can no longer be regarded as a noble profession in the country.

VeryDarkMan made the remarks while responding to criticism over his invitation to the Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, where he participated in a panel discussion on insecurity.

His appearance at the conference attracted criticism from some lawyers, who questioned why a social media activist had been invited to address the gathering.

Reacting to the backlash in a video shared on social media on Friday, VeryDarkMan said he attended the conference to speak for Nigerians who, he claimed, lacked the platform to make their voices heard.

“I spoke on behalf of poor people. I spoke on behalf of people who don’t have a voice,” he said.

He also questioned why his presence among lawyers had generated so much opposition, suggesting that some were uncomfortable because, in his words, “a son of nobody” had been given a platform at the event.

Turning his attention to the legal profession, the activist dismissed the notion that law remained a noble profession, arguing that many lawyers struggle to find employment or establish themselves in practice.

“Lately, law has not been a noble profession,” he said, insisting that the situation should be openly discussed.

VeryDarkMan also questioned the number of qualified lawyers who actively practise law, asking how many have jobs and how many regularly appear in court.

He further criticised the continued graduation of large numbers of law students despite what he described as limited opportunities within the profession.

The activist’s comments came against the backdrop of the controversy surrounding his invitation to the NBA conference, where he was invited to contribute to discussions on insecurity and the challenges confronting Nigerians.