Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has apologised to soldiers, police officers, customs and immigration personnel over controversial remarks he made during the Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference.
VeryDarkMan issued the apology in a video shared on Friday, saying he had reflected on his speech and realised that his comments were unfair to security personnel who were risking their lives to protect Nigerians.
The activist had caused controversy during his appearance at the NBA conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after describing the military, police, immigration and customs personnel as “unknown gunmen” while discussing insecurity in Nigeria.
However, he said he did not intend to suggest that all personnel within the security agencies were involved in criminal activities.
“I know exactly what I was trying to say because, I mean, I have evidence to back up my claim, but I wasn’t fair to a lot of people in that speech.”
VeryDarkMan said he was particularly concerned about soldiers fighting Boko Haram and other security threats in remote areas.
“That speech was not fair, especially to the soldiers that are in the bushes fighting Boko Haram to protect our lands, to protect our lives, and to protect our families.”
He acknowledged that describing such personnel as “unknown gunmen” could be discouraging to officers risking their lives on the frontline.
“I don’t think it’s fair to say they are also the unknown gunmen, to be very honest, because these people have laid down their lives.”
The activist explained that his original argument was directed at alleged corruption, sabotage and information leaks involving some individuals within the security agencies.
He said his intention was to draw attention to what he described as “bad eggs” within the security forces so that their leadership could investigate alleged cases of information leaks and internal sabotage.
However, he admitted that the way he presented his argument made it appear as though he was accusing the entire security establishment.
“But by passing that speech, like I said, it seems like I was generalising and it’s not fair to the fallen soldiers.”
VeryDarkMan subsequently apologised to the Chief of Defence Staff and the leadership of the various security agencies.
“Sir, I really want to apologise for that speech, and I don’t want to discourage your boys.”
He also asked that his apology be extended to soldiers serving in difficult and dangerous environments.
The activist further apologised to the police, customs and immigration authorities, as well as relatives of security personnel who had died in the line of duty.
“To the families of these heroes that might have also felt offended by this speech, knowing fully well that their brother, their sister, their son, their husband fought and died for this country, I am really, really sorry.”
Despite the apology, VeryDarkMan maintained his criticism of personnel whom he accused of corruption or sabotage.
He said there were corrupt individuals at different levels of the security agencies, including senior and junior officers, but stressed that many others remained committed to protecting Nigerians.
“A lot of bad eggs, a lot of them are there. A lot of corrupt generals, a lot of high-ranking police officers are corrupt, a lot of junior officers are corrupt. But there’s still a lot of more good people.”
He said he was particularly concerned that his earlier comments could affect the morale of soldiers serving on the frontline.
“Imagine a soldier fighting in the bush and he watches VDM’s video, and he’s like, ‘Ah, VDM is one of us now, unknown gunman.’ That would discourage him.”
VeryDarkMan also spoke about his interactions with members of the police force, saying he had previously shared information with officers concerning alleged criminal activities.
He urged security personnel who were genuinely committed to protecting Nigerians not to be discouraged by his criticism.
“Please don’t be discouraged. We’re there behind you now, and we’ll always support you.”
However, he maintained his warning to personnel allegedly involved in leaking information, supplying arms to criminals or sabotaging security operations.
“But then again, to the bad eggs, your days are numbered.”
The latest apology comes amid controversy surrounding VeryDarkMan’s appearance at the NBA conference, where his participation and comments attracted criticism from some members of the legal profession.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, had criticised the defence of VeryDarkMan’s participation and called for experienced speakers to handle specialised discussions at the conference.
VeryDarkMan later defended his invitation and explained why he was asked to speak at the event. He subsequently responded to the backlash in a video while wearing a lawyer’s wig and gown.
His latest comments also follow a separate controversy over allegations he made concerning police officers allegedly sharing information about wealthy travellers with kidnappers at checkpoints.
The police challenged him to provide evidence for the allegation, while VeryDarkMan said he was prepared to present his evidence if the authorities charged him to court.
In his latest video, however, the activist stressed that his criticism was not directed at security personnel as a whole.
“I actually know more than the people I was trying to communicate with, so it was not really communicated properly.”
He ended by expressing support for security personnel and honouring officers who had lost their lives protecting the country.
“To the patriots, to the heroes, to our fallen heroes that have died to protect this country… I am really, really sorry.”
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting security personnel genuinely working to protect lives and property.
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