Legal practitioner and Chief Operating Officer of UBIIJUS INTELLIGENCE, Dr. Blessing Agbomhere, has strongly criticised social media activist Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over what he described as attempts to exploit Nigeria’s security challenges through calls for protests and anti-government rhetoric.
Gatekeepers News report reports that in a statement personally signed by him, Agbomhere accused the activist of promoting narratives capable of undermining public confidence in government institutions at a time when national unity, patriotism and collective action are required to confront the country’s security challenges.
According to him, while insecurity remains a major concern for all Nigerians, the solution lies not in street protests or inciting public anger against constituted authorities, but in strengthening cooperation between citizens and security agencies through the provision of credible intelligence and community vigilance.
“It deeply upsets me seeing some gullible, unpatriotic and ill-wishing Nigerians, both at home and abroad, celebrating VeryDarkMan, an individual whose stock-in-trade is insulting people online and ridiculing a nation grappling with complex security challenges. Calling for protests against insecurity or against the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not patriotism; it is an act capable of encouraging disorder and undermining national stability,” Agbomhere said.
He argued that insecurity in Nigeria is driven by multiple factors, including weak law enforcement, poverty, unemployment, poor education, communal conflicts, drug abuse, greed and the pursuit of quick wealth, stressing that addressing these challenges requires the collective efforts of all citizens rather than political agitation.
Agbomhere commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Special Adviser on Homeland Security, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security and emergency response institutions for their sacrifices and commitment to safeguarding lives and property despite difficult operational conditions.
“While significant challenges remain, Nigerians must acknowledge the dedication and sacrifices of the men and women who put their lives on the line daily in service to our nation. Their efforts deserve not only recognition but also the active support and cooperation of citizens,” he stated.
The lawyer maintained that security is a collective responsibility that cannot be left solely to government institutions, noting that no security architecture, regardless of its sophistication, can succeed without public support.
“Given the size of our country and the complexity of modern security threats, citizens must remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within their communities.
Timely intelligence from members of the public remains one of the most effective tools for preventing crime and bringing criminal elements to justice,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with advanced democracies such as the United Kingdom and the United States, Agbomhere noted that citizens and communities often serve as the first line of defence against crime through vigilance, neighbourhood cooperation and active engagement with law enforcement agencies.
He further alleged that some political actors were seeking to exploit insecurity as a platform for partisan interests ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that inflammatory rhetoric and attempts to mobilise public anger against constituted authority could further heighten tensions across the country.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of Nigerians to freedom of expression, Agbomhere stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and in a manner that promotes peace, unity and national development.
He also urged public office holders, security personnel and law enforcement agencies to remain steadfast in preventing crime, apprehending offenders and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
Agbomhere called on Nigerians not to lose faith in the country’s institutions, insisting that the fight against insecurity requires patience, resilience, trust in lawful authorities and sustained collaboration between government and the people.
“Nigeria will overcome its current security challenges if citizens, communities and government institutions work together in the national interest. This is a time for unity, patriotism and collective action, not division. Together, we can build a safer and more secure nation for all,” he concluded.
