Lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has criticised Nigeria’s justice system while defending social media activist Verydarkman (VDM).
Farotimi argued that a society with an effective legal system, police force and judiciary would not create an environment in which figures like VDM become necessary for people seeking justice.
He described VDM as a reflection of what he sees as the failures of Nigeria’s judicial system, saying the activist has become a more accessible avenue for ordinary Nigerians seeking justice than the courts.
Farotimi also criticised lawyers, judges and the wider society for allowing a situation where citizens allegedly have greater confidence in social media personalities than formal legal institutions.
He said …
“A society that is ruled by law, with a functional police system, a functional court system would not tolerate the presence or existence of VDM. He is the live indictment of a judicial system that is essentially peopled by crooks in the place of jurists! That is what VDM is.
The society you have built requires VDM to find justice. It’s easier to find JUSTICE through the types and likes of VDM than through your courts.
They say that judiciary is the last hope of the common man, na lie! VDM HAS become the last hope of the common man.
shame all of you! And not just the Lawyers and Judges but the entire society that has made this possible.”