Desmond Elliot has apologized for addressing Nigerian youths as ‘children’ while making a submission during plenary at the Lagos state House of Assembly few days ago.
In a viral video that captured the submission of the lawmaker representing Surulere constituency on the Lagos State carnage, he addressed youths as ‘children’.
He also opined that many influencers and celebrities fueled the carnage through their usage of social media.
His statement however got on the wrong side of Nigerians, as many called him out for condemning celebrities and influencers who used their platforms to amplify #EndSARS protests.
Reacting to this in a statement released via his Twitter handle today, the actor turn politician apologized for his choice of words during the deliberation.
He said he never meant to be insensitive with his comments but he spoke out of the magnitude of destruction and looting of businesses that followed #EndSARS protests.
Desmond Elliot however implored everyone you engage constructively on issues that affects everyone.
Read his full statement below;
1. I have read your honest feedback& suggestions& I sincerely apologize for addressing the youth as “Children”
I did not mean to be insensitive with this, it was borne out of the magnitude of destruction&looting of businesses I witnessed when I went on a tour of my constituency
— Desmond Elliot (@DesmondOElliot) October 29, 2020
2. I saw women crying and my constituent members distraught as a result of the damages inflicted on their source of livelihood. I was moved by this while giving my submission on the floor of the House.
— Desmond Elliot (@DesmondOElliot) October 29, 2020
3. I allowed my emotions get the better of me and for this I apologize to everyone my earlier statements may have hurt.
— Desmond Elliot (@DesmondOElliot) October 29, 2020
4. Please, understand that even the best of us make mistakes. This is why, moving forward, I ask that we all try to engage constructively on the issues that affect all of us. I promise to do the same.
— Desmond Elliot (@DesmondOElliot) October 29, 2020
5. The pain that I feel for my constituents, the calls for assistance that I continue to get, and the need to mitigate against further destruction and violence will continue to drive my engagements and my work.
— Desmond Elliot (@DesmondOElliot) October 29, 2020
6. I thank you all for expressing your views, and in the future, I promise to be more conscious and aware.
Together, we will build a better Nigeria.
End.
— Desmond Elliot (@DesmondOElliot) October 29, 2020
