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 session on insecurity at the conference, where he shared his experiences and views on the security challenges facing Nigerians.
His appearance, however, sparked criticism from some members of the legal profession, with some questioning his invitation and participation at the gathering.
Reacting to the backlash in a video shared on social media on Friday, the activist said he attended the conference to speak on behalf of poor Nigerians and people without 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 lawyers.
“Because a son of nobody was seen in your midst,” he added.
VeryDarkMan subsequently turned his criticism to the legal profession, rejecting the description of law as a noble profession.
“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 further argued that many trained lawyers in Nigeria were unemployed or unable to practise, describing law as one of the country’s poorest professions.
“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.”
Questioning the employment prospects of lawyers, VeryDarkMan said, “How many lawyers are there? How many lawyers have jobs? How many lawyers actually go to court? Ask yourself that.”
He also criticised the continued graduation of thousands of lawyers from the Nigerian Law School 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.
The comments came amid continued reactions to VeryDarkMan’s guest appearance at the NBA’s 66th Annual General Conference, where he participated in discussions on insecurity and other issues affecting Nigerians.
His invitation had earlier generated criticism from some lawyers and members of the public.