- Digital Chief Monday Bakor has withdrawn from the Ratel online movement.
- His decision was announced in a detailed statement shared online.
- Bakor cited a shift in the movement’s values, moving away from fairness, justice, and openness to differing opinions.
Nigerian man, Digital Chief Monday Bakor, has announced his decision to withdraw from Ratel, the online movement associated with social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM).
Bakor made his position known in a lengthy statement shared online, where he explained that his decision was influenced by what he described as the movement’s departure from its original ideals of fairness, justice and openness to differing opinions.
Confirming his exit, Bakor stated that he had formally ended his membership of Ratel.
“I have officially withdrawn my membership from Ratel,” he wrote.
According to him, a movement established to challenge injustice should not become selective in deciding who deserves justice. He argued that members should be allowed to hold different opinions without facing attacks, intimidation or attempts to discredit them.
Bakor also criticised VeryDarkMan’s leadership style, alleging that the activist has begun exhibiting some of the same traits he frequently condemns among political leaders.
He maintained that leadership should not be synonymous with absolute control, stressing that every leader should remain open to criticism and accountability.
“From my observations, VeryDarkMan has increasingly displayed tendencies that, in my view, are difficult to distinguish from the very political leadership styles he criticises every day,” Bakor stated.
He further questioned how greater influence might affect the activist in the future, noting that the way a person handles power can reveal aspects of their character.
“Power is a litmus test of character. If someone demonstrates this level of pride and intolerance before attaining political power, one is left wondering what the future might look like if such influence becomes even greater,” he added.
Bakor also raised concerns about the handling of sensitive information, warning that people who share personal matters in confidence should be able to trust that such information will remain private.
He noted that statements made publicly without caution could have serious consequences for people’s reputations, relationships and families.
“Words have consequences. Careless public outbursts can damage reputations, relationships and even homes. You cannot encourage people to confide in you if they cannot be confident that their private matters will remain protected,” he said.
Despite his criticism of the movement and its leadership, Bakor clarified that his decision was not motivated by a personal disagreement with VeryDarkMan.
He revealed that he had previously supported several of the activist’s campaigns and even contributed financially to his NGO because he admired his efforts against fraud, counterfeit products and the exploitation of Nigerians.
“I have no personal beef with VDM. In fact, I once supported many of his ideas and even made contributions to his NGO account,” he said.
Bakor concluded by calling on Nigerians to uphold the principles of fairness regardless of who is championing a particular cause.
He urged people not to support what he described as selective justice simply because they agree with the individual delivering the message.
“Say NO to selective justice,” he concluded.
See post below:
