25/06/2026
A notable Northern influencer, Maina Usman Accuses VeryDarkMan of Exploiting Public Grievances to Fuel Regional Division
Prominent Northern social media influencer and commentator, Maina Usman, has strongly criticized controversial content creator VeryDarkMan (VDM), accusing him of deliberately using public frustrations to promote what he described as a divisive narrative against Northern Nigeria.
Usman's remarks followed a viral video in which VDM argued that Northern Nigeria remains a major obstacle to the country's development, citing persistent challenges such as insecurity, poverty, and underdevelopment in the region.
Reacting to the video, Usman alleged that VDM employs a calculated strategy designed to gain public trust by highlighting genuine societal problems before introducing narratives that, in his view, unfairly target the North. According to him, the content creator often presents factual concerns affecting ordinary citizens, only to conclude with broader claims that place disproportionate blame on a particular region or demographic.
Usman referenced a previous controversy in which VDM discussed infrastructural and social challenges in Northern Nigeria before linking them to allegations of a wider "Islamization agenda." He argued that many Northerners inadvertently support such narratives because they resonate with the realities of their daily struggles.
Defending the region against what he termed blanket stereotyping, Usman maintained that insecurity and organized criminal activities are national issues that have manifested across different parts of the country at various times. He cited examples including armed robbery, separatist violence, and militant activities in other regions, arguing that no single part of Nigeria should be exclusively associated with criminality or underdevelopment.
He further contended that other forms of crime that negatively affect Nigeria's international image, such as cybercrime and drug trafficking, are often overlooked in discussions that focus heavily on the North. According to Usman, such selective criticism contributes to regional mistrust and deepens existing divisions.
Concluding his remarks, Usman urged Northerners to critically evaluate public commentary and avoid being swayed by emotionally charged narratives. He alleged that some influencers thrive on controversy and regional tensions, warning audiences to remain vigilant against what he described as deliberate attempts to manipulate public perception.
