By Deborah Coker
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has urged regulatory agencies to scrutinise social media content creators, to guard against dissemination of harmful contents or mislead the public.
Mr Blessing Akinlosotu, Executive Director, NCSCN, made the call on Tuesday at a news briefing to addressed the escalating social media controversy between content creators Very Dark Man (VDM) and Mitchelle Mukoro (King Mitchy)
Akinsolotu, specifically called on Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) to ensure stronger oversight on content creators and ensure responsible online content production and dissemination.
The executive director said that in view of the recent development between VDM and king Mitchy on social media, there was the need for stronger oversight from regulatory bodies to curb toxic content.
“There is a need for a collective commitment to responsible social media usage to safeguard national values and mental health.
“There must be strong sanctions, and some persons must be made scapegoats as a way of deterrent.’’
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conflict between the duos began, when King Mitchy revealed that her humanitarian work received financial support from Seyi Tinubu.
VDM reacted aggressively, targeting both King Mitchy and Seyi Tinubu with harsh, vulgar language, implying immoral conduct.
The situation worsened when King Mitchy filmed herself drinking a poisonous substance (Hypo) in a dramatic display, which VDM later mocked by replicating the act.
These actions have raised serious concerns about mental health, suicide promotion, and irresponsible social media behaviour.
The NCSCN executive director condemned VDM for unnecessarily politicising the issue, singling out Seyi Tinubu, while ignoring other donors (like Don Jazzy and Burna Boy).
He questioned his motives, suggesting a personal vendetta.
He also stated that King Mitch acted improperly by drinking poison on camera, saying it showed her immaturity and set a bad example for young viewers.
Akinsolotu, however, defended Seyi Tinubu’s right to support humanitarian causes, emphasising that such philanthropy should be encouraged, not vilified.
He added that the controversy between king Mitchy and VDM highlighted the dangers of unchecked content, including suicide glorification and hate speech.
“We therefore call on the NCC, NBC to enforce stricter content regulations and penalise violators.
“We also call on activists to prioritise patriotism, professionalism, and public well-being over personal agendas,’’ he said.
(NAN)