By Ify Okoli
Apostle Michael Orokpo has
criticised social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as
VeryDarkMan, VDM, for mocking preacher Apostle Arome Osayi during an online
criticism of his views on Nigeria’s future.
Orokpo, founder of Encounter Jesus Ministry International,
said VDM crossed a line by making Osayi’s facial palsy part of his criticism.
He argued that attacking another person’s physical condition was wrong,
regardless of disagreements over religious or national issues.
VDM had questioned Osayi’s call for Nigerians to pray for
revival, asking why greater attention was not being given to industrialisation
and other practical solutions to the country’s challenges.
During the video, VDM also referred to Osayi’s facial palsy,
saying the condition could be treated in China, which he claimed places greater
emphasis on development than prayer.
Reacting to the comments, Orokpo said VDM’s growing
influence should instead be used to speak for people who feel powerless in
society. He said the platform came with a responsibility that should be
exercised with greater care.
Orokpo accused the social media critic of becoming overly
confident in his judgement and using his influence to dismiss what he described
as religious wisdom.
He also took issue with VDM’s suitability to tell Nigerians
how they should live, arguing that anyone seeking to influence public behaviour
should first demonstrate what he described as stronger ethical values.
The preacher’s criticism centred particularly on the
decision to make Osayi’s physical condition part of a public disagreement. For
Orokpo, the issue went beyond opposing another person’s opinion and raised
questions about how public figures use their growing influence.
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