The backlash directed at GTBank, allegedly linked to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Otse’s arrest, has had serious reputational consequences
By Titilope Adako
Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the arrest of social media influencer, Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), describing it as unsettling and reminiscent of an abduction.
In a statement on Sunday, Obi said the manner in which Otse was picked up created fear and confusion, warning that such methods could be exploited by criminal elements.
He stated, “If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.”
Obi recalled that even judges had faced similar treatment in the past, stressing that such actions erode public confidence in the rule of law.
“This trend is not new. We must recall that even our esteemed judges, the last line of defence for justice, have suffered similar indignities in recent years. When those who interpret the law are treated with such disregard, it is difficult to expect that ordinary citizens will feel protected under the law,” he said.
He warned that these incidents were beginning to hurt the economy and the business climate.
“The backlash directed at GTBank, allegedly linked to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Otse’s arrest, has had serious reputational consequences. At a time when investor confidence is already fragile, we must do all we can to avoid actions that tarnish institutions or undermine the trust of both citizens and the international community.”
Obi questioned why Otse could not have been invited in a civil and lawful manner, saying such an approach would have prevented the embarrassment now faced by Nigerians, the bank, and the country.
“One cannot help but ask: was it impossible to invite Mr. Otse in a civil, transparent, and legal manner? Would that not have spared Nigerians, GTBank, and our national image the unnecessary shame and losses we now witness?”
Obi also condemned the alleged abduction of a NANS president, expressing concern over the independence of student leadership and the suppression of young voices.
“We must return to a Nigeria where justice is done and is seen to be done without theatrics or abuse. A country where youth can speak freely, judges can serve with dignity, and institutions act responsibly. That is the Nigeria we must rebuild.”
He insisted that Nigerian youth must not be coerced, silenced, or used for political purposes that do not represent their interests.
“We must return to a Nigeria where justice is done and is seen to be done without theatrics or abuse. A country where youth can speak freely, judges can serve with dignity, and institutions act responsibly. That is the Nigeria we must rebuild.”
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