By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has reacted to the recent allegation made against him by controversial social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, describing it as baseless, unfounded and potentially disruptive to public peace.
Recall that VeryDarkMan had, on Tuesday, during a candlelight procession held in Awka, the Anambra state capital, accused Governor Soludo and other top public office holders of being responsible for the murder of the late Mr. Ifesinachi Onyekere (popularly known as Fish Magnet) — a young entrepreneur and Managing Director of the Fish Magnet outlet, who was recently kidnapped and murdered by yet-to-be-identified, and in whose honour the candlelight procession was held.
Speaking through his Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, in an exclusive interview with this reporter on Wednesday, Governor Soludo faulted the viral claims and allegations by the influencer, describing it as not only baseless and reckless, but also dangerous and capable of inciting public unrest and misleading unsuspecting members of the public.
Aburime emphasized that while the death of Fish Magnet was tragic and regrettable, attempting to exploit the incident for personal gain was both insensitive and unacceptable. While noting that VDM was simply and clearly seeking undue attention and popularity; he cautioned him against using the tragic death of a citizen as a tool for propaganda, cheap blackmail, or social media clout.
According to him, the Anambra State Government, under the leadership of Governor Soludo, remains committed to security, peace, and justice, and will not be distracted by any careless utterances aimed at tarnishing reputations or undermining public confidence.
While describing the death of the young entrepreneur as condemnable in every sense of it, the Governor’s spokesman reiterated that relevant security agencies are already on top of the situation and are working tirelessly to uncover the perpetrators and bring them to justice. He urged the public to remain calm and allow security agencies to conclude their investigation rather than jump to conclusions or engage in unfounded allegations.
He noted that it was worrisome and disrespectful for anyone to link the Governor of a state, or any other elected official, to a matter still under investigation, especially without any evidence. Such action, he said, is not only irresponsible but also undermines the peace and stability of the state.
Aburime noted that while everyone has a right to express themselves or hold peaceful processions, such must be done in accordance with the rule of law and not in a manner that disrespects constituted authorities or incites unrest.
“VeryDarkMan is not above the law. Everyone must obey Nigerian laws, including respecting the President of the Federal Republic, the Governor, and constituted authorities,” he stated, sternly warning that freedom of speech should not be abused or weaponized against peace and public order
He advised the influencer to be more mindful of his utterances, especially on issues as sensitive as national security, and to conduct his activism within the bounds of the constitution.
When asked whether the government would pursue legal action against VeryDarkMan for defamation or incitement by such heavy murder allegations against the Governor and others, the Press Secretary said the Governor would not dissipate energy on empty noise and social media distractions, or waste time entertaining frivolous and baseless claims.
According to him, the Governor is too focused on delivering good governance to Ndị Anambra, and has more pressing responsibilities, than getting involved in distractions, being dragged into needless controversy, or responding to attention-seeking rhetoric. He reiterated that such comments from the influencer were nothing more than frivolous business talk, and urged him to exercise greater discretion going forward.
He further stated that today, Anambra remains one of the most peaceful and stable states in the South-East, and that Governor Soludo has invested heavily in ensuring security and development across the 21 local government areas of the state
While assuring Ndi Anambra that the government will continue to support and collaborate with security agencies to ensure justice is served in the Fish Magnet case, Aburime urged the public to disregard the misleading narrative being pushed online and to trust the system to do its work.
Regarding the candlelight procession held in honour of the late entrepreneur, Aburime said the government had no issue with the event, provided that it was conducted peacefully and in honour of a respected member of the society. He confirmed that some government officials were also in attendance, alongside police officers who were present to maintain order.
While reaffirming Governor Soludo’s commitment to good governance, security, peace, and justice in the state, the Press Secretary concluded by restating that the government would continue to uphold citizens’ rights to free expression and association —provided it is within the ambit of the law — but would not tolerate any action or utterance capable of disrupting the hard-earned peace in Anambra State.
