From Legal Excellence to Clout Chasing: Why the NBA’s Elevation Of VeryDarkMan Betrays Its Heritage

-By Zik Gbemre

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) was once the ultimate guardian of the rule of law, civil liberties, and national integrity. Its national platforms were reserved for legal luminaries, human rights champions, and proven experts with deep, verifiable contributions to our country.

However, the decision to invite social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan / VDM) to discuss national security at the NBA Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt and to top it off by presenting him with an award marks a deeply embarrassing low point for the legal profession.

The individual who championed this invitation and presented him with an award must face strict internal disciplinary action.

1. Substance vs. Sensationalism on National Security.
National security especially protecting critical energy infrastructure and combating illegal bunkering requires field-tested expertise.

* Where is the genuine expertise? If the NBA wanted practical insights on securing national assets, figures like Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) or community activist Zik Gbemre have spent decades on the ground safeguarding oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta. Considering crude oil remains the financial backbone feeding every region across Nigeria, engaging those who actually protect these assets offers genuine policy value.
* The Social Media Distraction: Instead, the NBA gave a national stage to someone whose fame rests on online outrage, viral video drama, and social media exposures. Since when did creating online content qualify anyone as a national security analyst?
2. Trashing a Legacy of Giants
To understand the public disappointment, look at the giants who historically defined Nigerian civil advocacy:

* Civil Rights & Legal Icons: Gani Fawehinmi SAN, Femi Falana SAN, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Dr. Olu Onagoruwa,Tai Solarin.
* Pro-Democracy & Labor Leaders: Frank Ovie Kokori,Kudirat Abiola, Balarabe Musa, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Alex Ibru, Chief Ralph Obioha, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Alfred Rewane.
* Grassroots & Cultural Voices: Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Michael Akpobome Egi, Daniel Obaro, Andrew Edevbie.
These patriots risked their lives and freedom to challenge tyranny and build our democracy. By replacing intellectual rigor with internet clout, the NBA has turned a once-revered body into a social media circus.

3. Demanding Disciplinary Action
This incident leaves the NBA leadership with urgent questions to answer:

1. Who approved this? What criteria did the Conference Planning Committee use to certify an internet influencer as a security expert?
2. Accountability: Giving a prestigious legal platform and an award to an online provocateur discredits the entire legal profession. The individual who spearheaded this decision must be called to account and disciplined to restore the NBA's dignity.
The NBA must stop chasing viral trends and return to its core mandate: defending constitutional governance, upholding intellectual rigor, and honoring the noble heritage of Nigeria's civil rights pioneers.

Zik Gbemre
September 3, 2026

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