A Nigerian nurse, Nurse Ugbede, who recently came under criticism for allegedly calling Lagos and its residents “smelly” has tendered a public apology.
“This Lagos is a smelly city. People smell, the streets smell, and the gutters smells, the water smells, everything is smelly. I’m tired,” the tweet allegedly reads.
The post generated mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media. While some users defended her right to express her opinion, others criticized her for being “disrespectful to the city and its residents”.
An angry user, identified as Bayo, went to the extent of calling the attention of the Lagos State Government to Ugbede’s remarks, noting that they were giving jobs to people who hated their employers.
He wrote: “Dear Lagos government, you’re leaving the lives and economy of Lagos in the hands of people that hate their employers.
“If @jidesanwoolu and @mudashiru_obasa will not start demanding respect from people that are taking jobs away from aboriginals, we will also not stop adding external LEGAL pressure until we get the desired respect.”
Ugbede, who is believed to be working at the general hospital in Gbagada, also alleged that she has been facing “attacks” since she made the post.
Following the backlash, Ugbede said her posts were misinterpreted, adding that she was only raising a matter of public concern.
“As for the ‘Lagos state’ tweet. It’s been obvious that people changed the narrative to me hating Lagos and talking down on Lagos, that’s not true. People around me know I love Lagos, and I believe as a worker and Tax payer, I have the rights to express a topic of concern to me and everyone in this city. I also realized that my comment on ‘the people’ was offensive and derogatory and I apologize for that, but that was not what I intended,” she wrote.
However, on November 13, she apologized for her post, describing Lagos as a great city.
“I refer to my tweet of Sunday, 10/11/24 on ‘Smelly Lagos’. I am very sorry over this act of mine. Lagos is a Great city, livable, land of opportunities with nice and friendly people. Please accept my unreserved apology over my action which is highly regrettable,” she wrote.