A video of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VDM, meeting with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has surfaced online amid ongoing protests over the abduction of schoolchildren in the state.
VDM Leads Protest, Meets Governor
VDM, alongside many youths, staged a peaceful protest in Oyo State over the abduction of schoolchildren. After the protest, they met with Governor Makinde to discuss the issue. In the video, VDM addressed the crowd through a megaphone, and the governor also spoke to the protesters.
Governor Makinde stated that if he were not in government, he would have joined the protesters himself. He explained that he does not have direct control over security agencies, noting that even if he instructed the Commissioner of Police to move to a particular location, the CP would need approval from the Inspector-General of Police before taking action.
"The state governor is not in charge of security agencies. If I say go somewhere, the Commissioner of Police will have to take instructions from the Inspector-General of Police," Makinde said.
VDM's Call for Action
VDM expressed willingness to volunteer in the search for the abducted children. He stated that the protesters were ready to go into the bush to search for them and asked the governor what plans were in place for their rescue.
Public Reactions
Social media users analyzed the meeting, focusing on the governor's facial expressions and body language. Many comments highlighted the perceived powerlessness of state governors in security matters.
- @sturmdiasoul said: "You can see the pain and tension in the governor’s face. Omo may God help you through this time. Long live VDM."
- @cal.lmelani shared: "If you listen very well, you will see Governors in Nigeria are powerless, all the power is vested in the hand of a single person which is the president."
- @muntasils__wear wrote: "The governor looks confused you could see from his face he is pained too."
- @tox.imagery shared: "Seyi Makinde has always showed up. He has never stopped protesters or dispersed protesters. He will allow you to express their grievances and will address them."
VDM's Continued Activism
Previously, VDM had called out President Bola Tinubu over insecurity and urged youths to take action. He was praised for his boldness and encouraged to protest at the National Assembly.
