Social media commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), has weighed in on the viral controversy surrounding suspended Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appeal to the United Nations. The senator recently addressed the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) at the UN headquarters in New York, calling for international intervention in her dispute with the Nigerian Senate.
Senator Natasha has been at the center of public discourse following her suspension from the Senate. She was sanctioned shortly after filing a petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alleging sexual assault and other offenses. The Senate President has denied these claims, but Natasha insists her suspension was illegal and politically motivated.
During the Women in Parliament session at the IPU meeting, Natasha presented her case, alleging that she was unfairly punished for speaking out. She called on global democratic institutions to intervene, arguing that her suspension violated the principles of justice and transparency. Her speech quickly went viral, sparking mixed reactions from Nigerians.
VDM, a prominent voice on social media, commended Natasha for standing up for herself and representing the struggles of women and young girls in Nigeria. However, he strongly criticized her decision to take the matter to the UN, arguing that the organization has no real power to intervene in Nigeria’s legislative affairs.
“You are chasing shadows,” VDM stated in a video response. “The UN you went to report to cannot do anything.” He further suggested that Natasha’s actions indicated poor counsel from her advisers, asserting that her approach was ineffective in addressing the issues she faces.
The commentator emphasized that instead of seeking external intervention, Natasha should focus on building a strong support system within Nigeria. He advised her to adopt a strategic approach to navigate the political landscape, rather than relying on international bodies that lack enforcement power over the Nigerian Senate.
In the caption of his video, VDM reiterated his stance, writing: “@natashaakpoti you are making a lot of mistakes and taking wrong moves. Reporting the matter to the United Nations shows that you have the wrong advisers, sadly. PLAY THE GAME.”
