The Founder of the Initiative for Peace, Forgiveness and Love for One Another, (IPFLOA), Amb. Kingsley Atoe, has appealed to social media activist VeryDarkMan, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Nigeria Police to sheathe their swords and embrace dialogue in the interest of national peace.

Atoe, in a statement titled ‘Nobody Wins When Nigeria Loses,’ also urged Nigerians to refrain from allowing the ongoing disagreements involving VeryDarkMan, the legal profession and the police to divide the country.

He said while the issues surrounding the controversy might raise legitimate concerns about freedom of expression, police accountability, insecurity, the rule of law and institutional responsibility, such disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into hostility among Nigerians.

According to him, Nigeria needed peace, security, economic stability, justice and stronger public confidence in its institutions more than it needs confrontation.

Atoe said it was disturbing that Nigerians were increasingly taking sides, with some supporting VeryDarkMan, others backing the NBA or the police, while others were strongly criticising the institutions involved.

He warned that turning national issues into battles between personalities and institutions could create dangerous divisions in the society.

“Nigeria must not become divided into camps because of a disagreement involving individuals and institutions.

“We must remember that VeryDarkMan is a Nigerian citizen, members of the Nigerian Bar Association are Nigerians and police officers are also Nigerians. The millions of people expressing their opinions are also Nigerians,” he said.

The IPFLOA founder appealed to VeryDarkMan to use his influence responsibly, noting that his ability to command the attention of millions of Nigerians came with enormous responsibility.

He acknowledged the importance of criticism in exposing problems and compelling institutions to improve, but urged the activist to leave room for dialogue and reconciliation.

“You can challenge an institution without destroying confidence in the entire institution. You can demand accountability while still promoting peace. Your voice can become a bridge rather than a wall,” Atoe said.

He also urged the NBA to uphold justice, professionalism, fairness and the rule of law while encouraging dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes.

According to him, where allegations are made, appropriate procedures should be allowed to determine the facts, while grievances should be channelled through lawful avenues.

Atoe similarly appealed to the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen public trust through transparency, professionalism, accountability and respectful engagement with citizens.

He said although police officers operate under difficult and dangerous circumstances, the force must continue to recognise the importance of public confidence.

“The police and the people should not see themselves as enemies. The police are part of the Nigerian people, and the Nigerian people are the community that the police are mandated to protect,” he said.

Atoe also called on Nigerians to reject threats, insults, hate speech and the spread of unverified information on social media.

He urged citizens to accept disagreement as an essential part of democracy without allowing differences of opinion to destroy mutual respect.

He said national attention should also focus on insecurity, youth unemployment, education, poverty reduction, economic development, police reform, human rights, good governance and national reconciliation.

Atoe stressed that peace was not weakness and that dialogue should not be mistaken for cowardice or defeat.

“If VeryDarkMan wins an argument but Nigeria becomes more divided, Nigeria has not won. If the NBA proves its position but Nigerians lose confidence in one another, Nigeria has not won. If the police defend their position but the relationship between the police and citizens deteriorates further, Nigeria has not won,” he said.

He added that the ultimate victory would be a Nigeria where justice, accountability, freedom, security and mutual respect could coexist.

“Nobody wins when Nigeria loses,” Atoe said, urging VeryDarkMan, the NBA, the police and Nigerians to choose peace, dialogue and reconciliation over hatred and confrontation.