Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, VDM, has apologized to Nigeria’s security agencies over controversial remarks he made at the Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Otse issued the apology in a video shared on Friday after reflecting on his speech, admitting that his comments were unfair to security personnel who risk their lives to protect Nigerians.
During his address at the conference, the activist had referred to the military, police, immigration and customs personnel as “unknown gunmen” while discussing insecurity and alleged misconduct within the security system.
However, Otse said his intention was not to accuse all personnel of criminal activities but to draw attention to what he described as “bad eggs” within the security agencies.
He acknowledged that the way he presented his argument appeared to generalize the actions of some personnel, particularly those serving in dangerous areas.
“I wasn’t fair to a lot of people in that speech,” Otse said, explaining that he was especially concerned about soldiers fighting Boko Haram and other threats in the country’s forests and remote areas.
He said such personnel had sacrificed their lives to protect Nigerians and should not be described in a way that could undermine their morale.
VDM subsequently apologized to the Chief of Defence Staff and urged that his apology be extended to soldiers serving in difficult and dangerous conditions.
He also apologized to the leadership and personnel of the police, customs and immigration services, as well as families of security officers who have lost their lives while serving the country.
The activist maintained that his original speech was aimed at highlighting alleged corruption, information leaks and sabotage involving some individuals within the security agencies.
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According to him, he wanted security authorities to identify personnel allegedly involved in leaking operational information or sabotaging efforts against criminal groups.
However, he admitted that his choice of words created the impression that he was accusing the entire security establishment.
Otse said there were still many patriotic and dedicated officers within the security agencies despite the allegations he had raised against some personnel.
He noted that his interactions with members of the police had also given him an understanding of some of the challenges facing the force, adding that he had previously shared information with officers to assist them in responding to security threats.
The activist urged security personnel genuinely working to protect Nigerians not to be discouraged by his comments, stressing that citizens should continue to support those risking their lives for the country.
At the same time, he maintained his criticism of personnel he accused of participating in sabotage, supplying arms or leaking information to terrorists, warning that such individuals would eventually be held accountable.
The apology comes amid controversy surrounding Otse’s appearance at the NBA conference, where his participation and remarks attracted criticism from some quarters.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, had criticized the defense of Otse’s role at the event and argued that specialized discussions should be handled by experienced speakers.
VDM later defended his invitation and explained why he was selected to speak at the conference. He subsequently appeared in a lawyer’s wig and gown in a video while responding to the backlash.
His latest apology also follows a separate controversy over allegations he made concerning some police officers at checkpoints. Otse had alleged that certain officers provide information about wealthy travelers to kidnappers.
The police challenged him to provide evidence to support the allegation, while Otse dared the authorities to take him to court, saying he would present his evidence.
In his latest video, however, VDM stressed that his criticism of alleged misconduct should not be interpreted as hostility towards the security agencies as a whole.
He said his message had not been communicated properly and urged Nigerians to continue supporting security personnel who are genuinely committed to 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,” Otse said, while encouraging serving personnel to remain committed to their duties.
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