Rivers council chairman blasts NBA over VDM invitation

Dr. Chidi Julius Lloyd, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria, has publicly criticized the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for inviting social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to speak at its 66th Annual General Conference. Lloyd expressed strong disapproval of VDM's inclusion in the event, which is a significant gathering for legal professionals in the country.

Lloyd's criticism centers on the perceived unsuitability of VDM as a speaker for a legal conference. While the article does not detail VDM's specific online activities or the exact reasons for Lloyd's objection, the implication is that VDM's persona or content is not aligned with the professional standards expected at an NBA event. The chairman's stance suggests a concern about the NBA's judgment in selecting speakers and potentially legitimizing figures who may not uphold the integrity of the legal profession.

Beyond his criticism of the NBA's invitation, Dr. Lloyd is also advocating for a more focused approach from the association regarding critical legal and political matters. He specifically calls for "stronger engagement on electoral law." This suggests that Lloyd believes the NBA should prioritize discussions and actions related to electoral reforms, which are often contentious and crucial for the democratic process in Nigeria, rather than inviting controversial personalities.