Social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), recently took to his Instagram platform to comment on a viral video featuring Plateau cleric Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo. The footage shows Dachomo offering prayers for President Bola Tinubu and his administration, a development that has since stirred significant discussion online.
The prayer video garnered widespread attention and surprise among many Nigerians. This reaction stems from Rev. Dachomo’s established public persona as a vocal critic of the Tinubu government, particularly regarding the persistent insecurity and violence, especially against Christian communities, in Plateau State. For years, the cleric has been at the forefront, advocating for victims, organizing mass burials, and demanding robust government intervention to safeguard citizens.
The Prayer in Question
The controversial prayer was reportedly recorded during Rev. Dachomo’s visit to Israel. In the video, the regional leader of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi can be heard praying for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the people of Israel, President Tinubu, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and other African leaders. A notable segment of his prayer included a declaration that “whatever seed planted against his regime in the name of Jesus, it has been uprooted.”
VeryDarkMan’s Perspective
While many expressed shock at what appeared to be a shift in Rev. Dachomo’s stance, VeryDarkMan revealed that the development did not personally surprise him. His comments, delivered via his Instagram page, added another layer to the ongoing public debate surrounding the cleric’s actions.
Cleric Issues Clarification
Following the significant backlash and scrutiny generated by the prayer video, Rev. Dachomo issued a clarification. He asserted that his prayers were intended for the overall progress and well-being of Nigeria. He explicitly stated that his words should not be interpreted as an endorsement of President Tinubu or as support for the Muslim-Muslim ticket in the upcoming 2027 elections. This explanation aimed to address the concerns of his followers and the wider public who questioned his apparent change in position.
VeryDarkMan’s observations, coupled with Rev. Dachomo’s subsequent clarification, have kept the issue at the forefront of social media conversations, highlighting the ongoing public discourse surrounding religious leaders’ involvement in political matters and their perceived allegiances.