Desmond Elliot the member representing Surulere Constituency in Lagos State House of Assembly, has apologized profusely to Nigerians for calling the Youths ‘children’. The Nollywood actor came under severe criticism after his claim that youths under the guise of ENDSARS protests caused havoc and perpetrated evil in the society.
He said this in Plenary at the State Assembly, as he reeled out the dangers of social media and urged celebrities and media influencers to shield their swords. And in the process of clarifying his point, Elliot referred to Nigerian youths as “CHILDREN”.
Minutes after the plenary, Nigerians condemned his statement, noting that social media played a major role in his becoming an Honourable member in 2015. Regretting his action, Desmond said: “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 “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,” he declared.
“I allowed my emotions to get the better of me and for this I apologize to everyone my earlier statements may have hurt. “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. “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.
“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.” 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.”
