An unusual and theatrical demonstration took place on Monday at the Federal Capital Territory as controversial social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), staged a dramatic protest at the entrance of the FCT Minister’s office, drawing attention to the over 90-day ongoing strike by primary school teachers in Abuja.
Clad in a school uniform and joined by children in similar attire, VDM turned the protest into an open-air classroom. In a video that quickly went viral, VDM was wearing same school uniform with the children as he led them to recite the alphabet – but with a twist.
“S for Suegbe, T for Tinubu, W for Wike,” he chanted, and the children echoed.
This public demonstration comes amid growing concerns over the ongoing strike by FCT primary school teachers, which began since March 24, 2025. The strike stems from the failure of the Area Council Chairmen to implement the Federal Government’s newly approved N70,000 minimum wage, leaving pupils stranded at home for more than three months.
Responding to the protest, Bitrus Garki, Mandate Secretary of the Area Councils Services Secretariat, clarified that the matter lies primarily with the Area Councils, though he admitted the FCT administration had repeatedly intervened in an attempt to mediate. However, he failed to provide a definite timeline for when the negotiation would be concluded and the strike called off.
“These are elected councils with their own governance structure. But the FCT administration is not folding its arms; we’re working with all stakeholders, including NUT, NLC, and even traditional rulers to resolve this,” he stated.
“This is a multi-faceted issue. I cannot stand here and say when it will be resolved, but we are actively engaging all parties,” he added.
VDM Issues Ultimatum
Not satisfied with the government’s explanation, VDM issued a seven-day ultimatum, warning that if nothing changes, a larger protest involving more students across Abuja would follow.
“If by next week the schools remain closed, we will mobilize students from the entire FCT. We’re not fighting Wike. We just want him to remember — maybe he has forgotten,” he said mockingly, referring to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
VDM also announced plans to extend the protest to the healthcare sector, pointing out that primary healthcare workers were also being owed under the same wage structure.
“Today is for the students. Tomorrow, we focus on primary healthcare. Wike is stressed, we know — but we need action,” he quipped.
The prolonged teacher strike has crippled the basic education system in Abuja’s council areas, leaving thousands of children idle and parents frustrated. Many residents now view the situation as a reflection of wider governance challenges and lack of coordination between the FCT Administration and local governments.
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