Actor-turned-politician, Desmond Elliot has apologised for addressing Nigerian youths as ‘Children’ while making his submission on the role of social media on the recent Lagos carnage, during plenary, at the Lagos state House of Assembly last week.

In video that went viral, the lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency addressed the youths as children and opined that social media was used to fuel the carnage.

In reaction, Nigerians on social media condemned his comment, adding that he got into the Lagos Assembly using the medium that he wants out now.

Desmond has however apologised saying that he 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.” He 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.

“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.”