In a recent development, Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkBlackMan (VDM), is embracing the title “President General of the Fourth Arm of Government” in Nigeria. He presents himself as the people’s voice, a moral conscience, and the watchdog tasked with holding the three formal government branches accountable.

He frequently posts online, calling attention to corruption, governance failures, and societal injustices. On social media, he encourages grassroots mobilization, often labeling his movement the “Ratel Movement,” and urging citizens to take action in monitoring public affairs. For example, one of his recent posts read: “Some people no go like this news—the 4th arm of the govt is moving…” 

However, not all reactions are supportive. Some voices caution VDM to “stay in your lane,” warning that the boundary between activism and overreach can blur—drawing comparisons to figures like Omoyele Sowore and Prince Deji Adeyanju, who have likewise faced scrutiny over the reach of their activism.

VDM’s role raises important questions about the evolving nature of civic accountability in Nigeria: Can self-appointed citizen-watchdogs play a constructive role, or do they risk undermining institutional processes when they cross certain bounds?