Popular social media activist, Vincent Otse Martins, better known as Verydarkman, has stirred debate online with his blunt comments about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a video shared on his Instagram page, Verydarkman claimed that many Nigerians actually wished it was President Tinubu who had died instead of Buhari. He argued that although life was tough under Buhari’s administration, things have gotten even worse under Tinubu’s watch.

He pointed to the removal of fuel subsidy and other economic policies, which he said have only deepened the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. According to him, instead of using the funds from subsidy removal to develop the country as promised, the government continues to borrow money, while citizens bear the brunt of skyrocketing fuel and food prices.

Verydarkman also criticised how celebrities are treated for associating with Tinubu, saying people quickly brand them negatively because of widespread dissatisfaction with the administration.

“President Tinubu, I don’t know if you’ve been online, but Nigerians actually wished you died instead of Buhari. And let me tell you the worst part — if you die, what they’ll do to your corpse will be worse than what they’re doing to Buhari’s,” he said.

He went on to say, “Your regime is so bad that if a celebrity’s photo surfaces with you, Nigerians immediately start insulting them. You removed subsidy claiming it was for Nigeria’s good, yet you still keep borrowing. Who would have thought Nigerians, an oil-producing people, would pay so much for fuel?

“As for the new minimum wage you promised, it’s still largely a lie. Many offices say they’re not paying it. And let’s not even start with insecurity. Those still supporting you either do it for money or because of tribal or religious bias.”

Verydarkman’s comments have sparked mixed reactions, with many Nigerians echoing his frustrations over the harsh economy, while others criticised him for his harsh tone.