VeryDarkMan apologises to security personnel over controversial NBA conference remarks.
Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has apologised to Nigeria’s security agencies over remarks he made at the Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference.
VDM said he had been unfair to soldiers, police officers, customs and immigration personnel who risk their lives to protect Nigerians.
He made the apology in a video posted on Friday, days after describing military, police, immigration and customs personnel as “unknown gunmen” during his address at the conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The activist said he was trying to draw attention to alleged corruption, information leaks and sabotage within the security agencies.
But he admitted that his choice of words appeared to generalise the allegations and could have undermined the morale of personnel fighting insurgents and other security threats.
“I don’t think I was fair to a lot of people,” VDM.
He specifically apologised to soldiers serving in conflict zones, saying they had sacrificed their lives to protect the country.
“I don’t think it’s fair to say they are also the unknown gunmen,” he said.
VDM also apologised to the Chief of Defence Staff and asked that his apology be extended to soldiers serving in the bush.
He extended the apology to the police, customs and immigration authorities, as well as families of security personnel who had died in the line of duty.
The activist maintained that his criticism was directed at what he described as “bad eggs” within the security agencies rather than the institutions as a whole.
He alleged that some personnel were involved in corruption, leaking sensitive information and sabotaging security operations.
VDMsaid he had personal interactions with some police officers and had previously shared information about suspected criminal activities with them.
He also said he was concerned that his remarks could discourage soldiers fighting insurgents if they interpreted his comments as an attack on the entire security establishment.
“Please don’t be discouraged,” he told security personnel.
However, he maintained his warning to officers he accused of aiding criminal activities, saying those allegedly involved in sabotage would eventually be held accountable.
The apology follows criticism of Mr Otse’s appearance at the NBA conference, where his invitation and comments sparked controversy.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana had criticised the decision to use the activist for a specialised discussion and argued that experienced professionals should handle such sessions.
Mr Otse later defended his invitation and mocked some of the criticism by appearing in a lawyer’s wig and gown in a video.
His latest apology also comes amid a separate dispute over allegations that some police officers at checkpoints pass information about wealthy travellers to kidnappers.
The police challenged him to provide evidence for the allegation, while VDM said he was ready to defend his claims in court.
In his latest video, the activist said his criticism of misconduct within the security agencies should not be interpreted as hostility towards security personnel generally.
He urged Nigerians to support soldiers, police officers and other personnel who are genuinely working to protect the country.
By News Scope Africa
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