I apologise for calling everybody children – Desmond Elliot

By Emmanuel 28 March 2023

Desmond Elliot, a well-known Nigerian actor who later entered politics, has once more apologized publicly for his offensive remarks towards the youngsters during the EndSARS rally in October 2020.

Remember how the Surulere I legislator for Lagos was called out on social media for referring to the young people who responded to the shootings at the Lekki Tollgate as children? After the protest, he had campaigned for social media regulation.

Yet in a prompt reaction, Elliot had in October 2020 released a statement in which he expressed regret to anyone whose toes he had tread with his remarks.

The legislator clarified his position during a recent appearance on TVC’s “Your View,” saying that he was only talking to young people who were criticizing Lagos House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru and not to all youngsters on social media.

What I can say is that I believe forgiveness to be divine. No one really owns it all, you know? You may believe something to be true, while another individual may not. Going back in time to revisit those delicate moments, in my opinion, would be ineffective.

“I believe that at the end of the day, I expressed regret and continue to do so to people who undoubtedly misunderstood what I said. Even though I claimed to be overcome by emotions, the fact that the hatred was excessive remained. The level of animosity in the country is too high. All of us are made of love. Everything can be changed by love.