Lagos lawmaker Desmond Elliot has backtracked on his earlier comments after he described Nigerian youths as “children” who use social media as an avenue to “curse” leaders.
A viral video showed an angry Elliot addressing members of Lagos state House of Assembly that Nigerian youths have thrown caution in the wind, as they no longer have respect for their political leaders.
His comment earned him a heavy backlash with many Nigerians tagging him “Desmond Idiot” whose major concern was Getting Respect at a time the nation was mourning lives lost in the dying days of #EndSARS protests.
In a written statement, the lawmaker has apologized, begging forgiveness from Nigerians over his insensitive comment.
The statement reads;
”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.
“I allowed my emotions 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. End.”