Why Is Wike Silent? VeryDarkMan Turns Minister’s Gate into Classroom Amid Teachers’ 90-Day Strike”

Popular and controversial social media figure, Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has once again stirred public debate after staging a dramatic protest at the gate of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. His action was in response to the ongoing strike by primary school teachers in the FCT, which has now stretched beyond 90 days.

In a bold move on Monday morning, VDM arrived at the Minister’s residence in Abuja with a group of schoolchildren dressed in uniform. Instead of chanting slogans or holding placards, he took a more symbolic approach—he set up a makeshift classroom right at the gate. Sitting the children on the bare ground, he personally taught them the alphabet, calling attention to the harsh reality of their denied education.

the strike began on March 24, 2025, when primary school teachers downed tools following the failure of the Area Council Chairmen to implement the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000. For over three months, thousands of children in the FCT have been out of school, with no concrete resolution in sight.

VDM, who is known for using social media to challenge corruption and social injustice, said during the protest, “How can children stay out of school for over 90 days and the government acts like nothing is wrong? If the ministers’ children were in these public schools, would this strike last a week?”

His protest quickly drew the attention of passersby and local media, with videos circulating on social platforms showing the activist writing letters on cardboard and helping the children recite them aloud.

Many Nigerians have since praised his action, calling it a “peaceful yet powerful statement,” while others questioned the safety and legality of involving minors in public protests. Still, VDM’s demonstration has reignited national discourse on the prolonged strike, and raised uncomfortable questions about the government’s handling of basic education and workers’ rights.

So far, neither Minister Wike nor any official from the FCT administration has issued a public response to the protest or the status of negotiations with the teachers’ union.

Meanwhile, parents and advocacy groups continue to urge the federal government and local authorities to find a lasting solution, emphasizing the long-term impact of disrupted education on the country’s future.

As VDM put it bluntly, “If government won’t go to the classroom, the classroom will come to government.”