“They Called It Manipulation, But We Got Results” — VDM Declares Victory As FCT Teachers Suspend Strike After ₦16bn Wike Intervention

Controversial activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) has fired back at critics who accused him of manipulating school children for protest, following the sudden suspension of the FCT teachers’ strike after the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) reportedly released ₦16 billion in backlogged wage payments.

Taking to social media on Tuesday, July 9, 2025, VDM celebrated what he called a “manipulation that brought results,” referencing the student-led protest he facilitated last week, which drew nationwide attention to the plight of unpaid teachers and closed public schools.

“They called me a manipulator for using children to protest,” VDM said in a viral video. “But now we have man!pulated the government into doing what they should’ve done months ago — opening the schools and paying the teachers. I’ll manipulate again if it gets results.”

The FCT chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) confirmed on Tuesday that the strike has been officially suspended after a directive from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike allegedly greenlit the release of ₦16 billion for salaries, allowances, and other entitlements owed to teachers.

Parents and students have expressed mixed feelings about the controversy. Some praised VDM’s boldness, crediting him for forcing action from the government, while others criticized the use of minors in protests, insisting it violated ethical lines. Regardless, school gates reopened across the territory Wednesday morning.

FCT NUT chairman, Comrade Stephen Knabayi, stated: “Following a high-level meeting and confirmation of disbursement, we have directed our members to resume immediately. Our demands have been substantially met.”

VDM’s role in the saga has once again sparked debate over the power of social media activism in Nigeria. Whether hailed as a hero or a provocateur, his strategy forced a system-wide response that even seasoned union leaders struggled to achieve.