Aremu Afolayan, a Nollywood actor, has apologised to Nigerians over his controversial remark suggesting that the country’s insecurity was scripted.
In a nine-minute video posted online, the actor expressed remorse and pleaded for forgiveness. The video, which has since gone viral, shows Afolayan kneeling as he addressed Nigerians and his fans.
“I’m so very sober this morning… I am sorry. These curses are too much. I know I went wrong, and I am seriously sorry,” he said.
Meanwhile, Afolayan dismissed claims that he received payment to make the statement, insisting that people misunderstood his comments.
“Two narrations are going on on social media that I collected money. No, I didn’t collect money at all. My heart is heavy and I have hurt a lot of Nigerians deeply,” he said.
Furthermore, he stressed that insecurity remains real and widespread across the country, thereby countering the impression created by his earlier remarks.
“It’s so obvious that insecurity is in town, it’s everywhere and the government is not doing anything about it,” he said.
He added that he only intended to criticise those who downplay the situation on television.
“What I was trying to say in the video is if you see anybody who says on TV that nothing is happening, be calm… the person is reading a script,” he said.
To reinforce his point, he cited a personal experience.
“My best friend’s mother was kidnapped, and we paid. So how will I say there’s no insecurity?” he said.
Consequently, Afolayan announced his withdrawal from political discussions, noting that the backlash had taken a toll on him.
“For this, I know your choice is not Tinubu, I am withdrawing everything about politics. I am withdrawing myself… I am standing with you, my people. Please forgive me,” he said.
BACKGROUND
The controversy followed a viral video in which Afolayan spoke at a political forum organised by EKO 57 LG, a support group for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.
In the video, he dismissed concerns about the country’s hardship and described reports of insurgency as scripted.
“I don’t care about the country’s hardships because President Tinubu is trying to unite Nigerians, and the news about insurgency is scripted. That’s why I support him,” he had said.
