Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has described law as one of the “poorest professions” in Nigeria.
He said this on Friday while reacting to criticism over his invitation to speak at the Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt.
VeryDarkMan was invited to a panel on insecurity, where he shared his views and experiences on security challenges facing Nigerians. His appearance drew backlash from some lawyers who questioned his presence at the event.
In a video posted on social media, the activist said he attended to speak for Nigerians 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 the opposition to his invitation.
“Because a son of nobody was seen in your midst,” he added.
VeryDarkMan then went after the legal profession, rejecting claims that it remains noble.
“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.”
He argued that many law graduates are unemployed or not practising, calling law one of the most financially struggling 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.
“Because we never talk about it. Law is one of the most broke professions. One of the poorest professions in this country is law.”
Questioning job opportunities for lawyers, he 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 Nigerian Law School for graduating thousands yearly despite limited opportunities.
“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.
VeryDarkMan’s remarks come amid continued debate over his guest appearance at the NBA conference, where discussions centered on insecurity and other national issues.
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