‘Peller Next?’ — Outrage over VDM’s Participation as Panelist at NBA Conference

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has faced heavy criticism for inviting VeryDarkMan (VDM) as a panellist at its annual conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

VDM, whose real name is Martins Vincent Otse, participated in a plenary session at the NBA’s 66th Annual General Conference on Tuesday.

His inclusion on the panel, however, has drawn criticism from some lawyers and other social media users who questioned the decision to invite a social media personality to speak at the association’s major annual gathering.

The backlash was particularly directed at the NBA, with some commenters questioning the decision to give VDM a platform before members of the legal profession.

Foza Billions, a lawyer and X user, questioned the decision in relation to the money lawyers spend attending the conference.

“NBA put VDM on a panel to speak to lawyers, where lawyers paid hard-earned money to attend? Last time it was a ‘Fit and Proper Bar’ inviting Portable, now VDM? VDMMMM?” she wrote.

Mazi Ifenna also criticised the NBA’s decision, saying the association had effectively endorsed VDM by giving him a platform at the conference.

“Of course. The NBA just endorsed him. When he returns from the conference, you’ll witness the greatest braggadocio in social media history,” he wrote.

Another X user, Dearest B, described the NBA as embarrassing while referencing the association’s previous engagement with Nigerian singer Portable.

“The NBA is so embarrassing! First Portable, now VDM. Nobody objected in the committee?” she wrote.

Other users also questioned the appropriateness of VDM’s inclusion at the conference.

One commenter asked, “Are we normal in this country?” while another questioned the decision against the professional standards expected of lawyers.

Speaking at the conference, VDM acknowledged the debate over his invitation and explained why he was invited to participate in the session.

“There has been a lot of debate about why I was invited to this NBA conference. I’m not here to teach you people law; I’m here to share experience,” he said.

He said those questioning his invitation may not have fully considered the subject of the session, which focused on insecurity and the experiences of people affected by violence.

“This is not a topic of ‘may I, my lord’ because your lords are being kidnapped,” he said.

VDM said his contribution drew on his experience covering violent incidents across the country.

More reactions below:

Source: TheCable