TVC Nigeria, a prominent news channel, has taken the unusual step of locking its comment section on Instagram following an overwhelming influx of comments from fans of activist and social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The move by TVC Nigeria came after VDM publicly demanded an invitation to appear on the station to defend himself against allegations made by comedian Deeone during a recent TVC interview. Deeone had accused VDM of mismanaging NGO funds and suggested the existence of compromising videos, claims VDM vehemently denies.
Following Deeone’s interview, VDM’s followers, known for their vocal support, flooded TVC’s Instagram handle with demands for the station to host VDM, allowing him an opportunity to respond directly to the allegations. The comments ranged from requests for fairness to accusations of political bias against the station.
Posts on X have highlighted the situation, with some users questioning why TVC would restrict comments if they had nothing to hide, suggesting the station might be avoiding an open conversation on the matter. Others have called for TVC to uphold journalistic integrity by providing a platform for VDM to speak.
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This incident has sparked a broader discussion on social media about freedom of speech, the responsibilities of media outlets, and the dynamics of public engagement in Nigeria’s media landscape. Critics of TVC’s decision argue that locking comments is an attempt to control the narrative, while supporters of the station might see it as a necessary measure to manage what could be perceived as an online mob.
TVC Nigeria has not yet officially responded to the outcry or the locking of comments, but sources suggest that the station is preparing to address the situation. There are indications from posts on X that TVC might be planning to extend an invitation to VDM for a future show, giving him the platform he demands to clear his name.
This event highlights the growing influence of social media personalities like VDM in shaping public discourse and the challenges traditional media face in navigating these new dynamics. With social media platforms becoming battlegrounds for narratives, media outlets are caught between maintaining order and providing an inclusive forum for discussion.
It will be recalled that a similar incidence happend to Glitch Africa the organisers of Honest Bunch Podcast, where Deeone made same damaging allegations against VDM. The counter attack from VDM led to the resignation of one of its popular hosts, Nedu Wazobia.
As this story develops, it will be crucial to watch how TVC handles the balance between editorial control and public engagement, especially in a country where media freedom and public trust are continuously under scrutiny. .
