A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Blessing Agbomhere, has criticised social media activist Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over calls for protests against insecurity. Agbomhere described the move as counterproductive and capable of undermining ongoing efforts to tackle security challenges across the country.
Agbomhere's call for support to security agencies
Agbomhere, a legal practitioner and Chief Operating Officer of UBIIJUS Intelligence, said Nigerians should channel their energies towards supporting security agencies with credible intelligence rather than engaging in actions that could weaken public confidence in government institutions. In a statement issued on Thursday, he warned against attempts by individuals and groups to politicise insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that national security should not be reduced to a tool for partisan contestation.
He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security agencies for their efforts in combating insecurity despite difficult operational conditions.
Citizen participation in security
While acknowledging that security threats persist in parts of the country, Agbomhere stressed that effective security management requires active citizen participation. “No security architecture, regardless of its sophistication, can succeed without the support of the people. 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,” he said.
The APC stalwart took particular exception to VeryDarkMan’s campaign for nationwide protests, arguing that such actions risk inflaming public sentiment at a time when unity and cooperation are needed to address security concerns. “It deeply upsets me seeing some gullible, unpatriotic and ill-wishing Nigerians, home and abroad, celebrating this VeryDarkMan, a jobless and unpatriotic individual who has no meaningful means of survival besides insulting people online and mocking a nation grappling with insecurity,” Agbomhere said.
Root causes of insecurity
According to him, insecurity in Nigeria is driven by multiple factors, including poverty, unemployment, weak law enforcement, poor education, communal conflicts, drug abuse and the pursuit of quick wealth, adding that street protests alone cannot resolve such complex challenges. “Calling for protests against insecurity in Nigeria or protests against the leadership of President Bola Tinubu is not an act of patriotism but an act of incitement and a call for anarchy,” he stated.
Agbomhere maintained that while citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, there is a clear distinction between constructive criticism and actions that could trigger public disorder. He further alleged that some political actors were exploiting security concerns to advance partisan interests, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could complicate efforts by security agencies to restore peace and stability.
Call for collective action
“The fight against insecurity demands collective commitment. Communities must become active partners in intelligence gathering and crime prevention. Across developed democracies, citizens serve as the first line of defence against crime through vigilance, community engagement and cooperation with law enforcement agencies. Nigeria should be no different,” he said.
The APC chieftain also urged public officials and security personnel to remain diligent in preventing crime, arresting offenders and ensuring their prosecution in accordance with the law. He expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges through sustained collaboration between citizens and government institutions. “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,” he added.
