Social critic VeryDarkMan has apologised to Nigerian soldiers, police officers, customs officials and immigration personnel after remarks he made at the Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference sparked concern.
The social commentator, whose real name is Martins Vincent Otse, issued the apology in a video shared on Friday, September 4.
His change of tone came after he reflected on comments made during a discussion about insecurity in Nigeria. At the conference, he had described members of the military and other security agencies as “unknown gunmen.”
He has now acknowledged that the description was too broad and unfair, particularly to security personnel serving in dangerous areas.
Why VeryDarkMan Apologised
VeryDarkMan said his intention was not to accuse every member of Nigeria’s security forces of wrongdoing.
Instead, he said his criticism was aimed at what he described as alleged corruption, sabotage and the leaking of sensitive information by some individuals within the security system.
However, he admitted that the way he expressed the argument created a much wider impression.
According to him, referring generally to security personnel as “unknown gunmen” failed to recognise the sacrifices made by officers and soldiers who risk their lives while protecting civilians.
That distinction became central to his apology.
He acknowledged that some security personnel have been killed while carrying out their duties, making it inappropriate to place all members of the agencies in the same category because of the alleged actions of a few.
VeryDarkMan Addresses Soldiers Fighting Boko Haram
The social critic specifically acknowledged the soldiers deployed to areas affected by Boko Haram and other security threats.
He said his remarks did not adequately reflect the reality faced by troops operating in dangerous environments and protecting communities.
VeryDarkMan also stressed that his criticism was intended to draw attention to possible internal problems within the security agencies rather than discourage personnel carrying out their duties.
He argued that allegations involving information leaks or internal sabotage should be investigated so that security authorities can identify and address individuals whose actions may undermine ongoing operations.
He Apologises to Security Chiefs and Families of Fallen Personnel
VeryDarkMan also directed his apology to the Chief of Defence Staff and other security authorities, asking that his message reach personnel serving in difficult conditions.
He extended the apology to families who have lost relatives in service, acknowledging that his comments could have been particularly painful for them.
The apology recognised the human cost behind Nigeria’s security challenges, including the loss suffered by families whose loved ones died while serving the country.
Criticism vs. Generalisation
The controversy surrounding VeryDarkMan’s remarks highlights the difference between criticising alleged misconduct within an institution and condemning everyone who belongs to it.
His latest comments suggest that he still stands by his concerns about possible wrongdoing within Nigeria’s security system.
What he has withdrawn, however, is the broad characterisation that appeared to include security personnel generally.
For the soldiers, police officers, customs officials and immigration personnel working in difficult conditions, that distinction matters.
VeryDarkMan’s apology ultimately centres on one admission: his criticism may have been directed at alleged “bad eggs,” but his wording cast the net too widely.