Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has described law as one of the poorest professions in Nigeria while responding to criticism over his invitation to the Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt.
VeryDarkMan was invited to participate in a panel discussion on insecurity at the conference, where he shared his experiences and perspectives on the security challenges confronting Nigerians.
His appearance at the event, however, attracted criticism from some members of the legal profession, with some questioning why he was invited to speak at the gathering.
Responding to the backlash in a video shared on social media on Friday, the activist said he attended the conference to represent poor Nigerians and people who he believes do not have a voice.
“I spoke on behalf of the poor people. I spoke on behalf of the people that don’t have a voice,” he said.
He also questioned why some people were uncomfortable with his presence among members of the legal profession.
“Because a son of nobody was seen in your midst,” he added.
‘Law Is One of the Poorest Professions’
VeryDarkMan subsequently criticised the perception of law as a noble profession, arguing that the realities facing many lawyers in Nigeria do not support that description.
“This bunch of clowns are telling me that law is a noble profession,” he said.
“Well, lately, law has not been a noble profession. I’m sorry to say. I’m not even sorry to say. It is what it is.”
The activist went on to claim that many trained lawyers are either unemployed or unable to practise, describing law as one of the least financially rewarding professions in the country.
“But even you, some of you who are not even practising. Mind you, law is one of the most broke professions we have in the country,” he said.
“One of the poorest professions in this country is law.”
He also questioned the number of lawyers who are able to secure jobs or actively practise in court.
“How many lawyers are there? How many lawyers have jobs? How many lawyers actually go to court? Ask yourself that,” he said.
Criticism of Law School Graduates
VeryDarkMan also criticised the continued graduation of large numbers of lawyers despite what he described as limited opportunities within the profession.
“And every year, they say they have people graduating from law school. Four thousand have graduated from law school, only to end up selling bedsheets,” he added.
His comments followed the controversy surrounding his appearance at the NBA’s 66th Annual General Conference, where he participated in discussions on insecurity and other issues affecting Nigerians.
The invitation had generated debate among lawyers and members of the public, with some questioning the decision to include the activist in the conference programme.
VeryDarkMan, however, maintained that his participation was an opportunity to speak about the experiences of ordinary Nigerians and highlight concerns affecting people outside professional and elite circles.
