Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has apologised to soldiers, police officers, customs and immigration personnel over comments he made during the Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference.
VeryDarkMan said he had reflected on his remarks and realised that the way he presented his argument was unfair to security personnel who are risking their lives to protect Nigerians.
The activist had caused controversy at the conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after describing the military, police, immigration and customs personnel as “unknown gunmen” while speaking about insecurity in the country.
In a video released on Friday, he explained that he was not referring to every member of the security agencies but was trying to draw attention to individuals he accused of corruption, sabotage and leaking information to criminals.
VeryDarkMan admitted, however, that his choice of words made it appear as though he was accusing the entire security system.
He said his comments were particularly unfair to soldiers fighting Boko Haram and other armed groups in difficult conditions to protect the country.
The activist said he did not want his remarks to discourage soldiers who were putting their lives at risk while serving Nigeria.
He therefore apologised to the Chief of Defence Staff and asked him to extend the apology to troops serving in dangerous areas.
VeryDarkMan also apologised to the police, Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Immigration Service, as well as families of security personnel who had died while serving the country.
He said many good and patriotic officers were still working within the security agencies despite the presence of individuals involved in wrongdoing.
The activist maintained that his concerns about corruption, sabotage and information leaks within the security system remained valid, but said such concerns should not be used to judge every security officer.
He also recalled his interactions with some police officers, saying he had previously shared information with them to help stop criminal activities.
VeryDarkMan urged security personnel who were genuinely protecting Nigerians not to feel discouraged by his earlier comments.
He said Nigerians should support officers and soldiers who were honestly carrying out their duties and protecting lives and property.
The apology comes after his appearance and comments at the NBA conference generated strong reactions from members of the public and legal community.
Despite apologising, VeryDarkMan maintained that security agencies must identify and deal with individuals who engage in corruption, sabotage or activities that put the lives of their colleagues and Nigerians at risk.
He concluded by expressing regret to the families of fallen security personnel and assuring serving officers that his criticism was not intended to undermine their sacrifices.