Controversial social media personality, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has come under heavy criticism following comments he made about Hausa-speaking people in Northern Nigeria.
In a viral video circulating on social media obtained by The News Chronicle on Wednesday, VDM alleged that Hausa-speaking communities were deliberately conditioned by politicians to remain in poverty in order to maintain political control and influence.
According to him, the political class has sustained a system that keeps many people in the North impoverished, arguing that this has enabled politicians to retain power through population numbers.
VDM also claimed that a significant number of children in the region are pushed into street begging rather than formal education, contrasting the situation with what he described as better opportunities available to children in other parts of the country.
The social media personality further made controversial remarks about the types of jobs commonly associated with Hausa people, describing them as security guards, shoemakers, tailors and tea sellers. He also alleged that politicians exploit vulnerable youths by exposing them to violence rather than providing educational and economic opportunities.
Linking insecurity in the region to political manipulation, VDM claimed that many terrorists, kidnappers and bandits originate from Hausa speaking communities due to systemic neglect and poverty. He argued that the situation was the result of a long-standing political structure designed to keep people dependent and disadvantaged.
The comments have sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians accusing VDM of making sweeping generalisations and stereotyping an entire ethnic group. Critics described his remarks as offensive and divisive, while others agreed with parts of his criticism regarding poverty, education and governance challenges in Northern Nigeria.
VDM concluded by calling for greater awareness among Northern leaders and influencers, insisting that the region requires urgent intervention and development to improve living conditions and contribute more effectively to national growth.
As of the time of filing this report, no official response had been issued by Northern socio-cultural organisations or government authorities regarding the comments.
