Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has apologised to members of the Nigerian security forces over his controversial claim describing military and other security personnel as “unknown gunmen.”
The activist, in a video released on Friday, admitted that his remarks at the Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, unfairly generalised security personnel who risk their lives to protect Nigerians.
VeryDarkMan had sparked controversy after suggesting during his speech that personnel of the military, police, immigration and customs were among those referred to as “unknown gunmen.”
However, reflecting on his comments, he said he realised the statement could have discouraged officers genuinely serving and fighting for the country.
“I don’t think I was fair to a lot of people, particularly the speech where I said that the military are the unknown gunmen, the police are the unknown gunmen, you know, the immigration, the customs,” he said.
He maintained that his comments were intended to draw attention to alleged corruption and sabotage by some individuals within the security agencies but admitted that the manner in which he presented his argument made it appear as though he was accusing everyone.
According to him, soldiers fighting Boko Haram and other armed groups in difficult conditions did not deserve to be grouped with criminals.
“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 said.
“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.”
VeryDarkMan subsequently apologised to the Chief of Defence Staff and urged him to extend his apology to troops serving on the frontlines.
He also expressed regret to the police, customs and immigration services, as well as families of security personnel who lost their lives while serving the country.
“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,” he said.
The activist, however, insisted that his criticism of alleged misconduct within the security system remained valid, stressing that his concern was with personnel allegedly involved in corruption, sabotage and intelligence leaks.
He said there were still many patriotic officers within the various security agencies and urged them not to be discouraged by his earlier remarks.
“Please don’t be discouraged. We’re there behind you now, and we’ll always support you. Security is for all of us,” he said.
VeryDarkMan added that he feared his comments could demoralise a soldier risking his life in the fight against insurgency.
“Imagine a soldier fighting in the bush and he watches VDM’s video… That would discourage him, to be honest,” he said.
The apology comes amid sustained criticism over his appearance and comments at the NBA conference, where his participation generated controversy among lawyers and other commentators.
Despite the apology, the activist maintained that security agencies must continue to identify and deal with personnel allegedly involved in criminal activities, warning that criticism of wrongdoing should not be mistaken for hostility towards the institutions.
He concluded by paying tribute to security personnel who have died in the line of duty and urging Nigerians to support those genuinely working to protect the country.