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Tag: DESMOND ELLIOT

  • #EndSARS report: I knew there was calamity at Lekki — Desmond Elliot

    #EndSARS report: I knew there was calamity at Lekki — Desmond Elliot

    Actor and politician, Desmond Elliot has reacted to the Lagos EndSARS panel report, which was released on Monday.

    Reacting to the report on the Wake Up Nigeria programme on TVC, Elliot said that he read the report but already knew that the incident was chaotic.

    Elliot also said that he knew that the truth regarding the incident would surface adding that it was a pattern for the government in power.

    He said, “I read it and it was very heartbreaking. Heartwrenching. I knew there was a calamity, chaos. Except you are not Nigerian or you are not human. You would feel for everybody.

    “I have always said something. When MKO died and the government of the day denied and denied, it took this government to come and say you know what, we have wronged you; this is the truth. And they actually gave Democracy Day.

    “We have always said the truth comes out. There is no how you would try to hide it, the truth would come out.”

    The member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, however, applauded the state government for letting the report see the light of day.

    Elliot revealed that the government’s action was commendable because it would have known that the report would indict it but still allowed it to be released.

    “But I now looked at it from another angle. Is it possible that this government didn’t know what was going to come out? Of course, they did. But the government of today, I am talking of the state government, I want to believe knew what was going to come out.

    “There is going to be an official statement so let me not jump the gun because I am also in office,” Elliot added.

     

  • Government should reconsider Twitter ban in the interest of Nigerians- Desmond Elliot

    Government should reconsider Twitter ban in the interest of Nigerians- Desmond Elliot

    Nigerian actor cum politician, Desmond Elliot, has shared his opinion about the Federal Government’s decision to ban Twitter operations in Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that on Friday the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, via a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Adeyemi, announced the indefinite suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria.

    The statement read, “The Federal Government has suspended, indefinitely, the operations of the microblogging and social networking service, Twitter, in Nigeria.

    “The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, announced the suspension in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, citing the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.

    “The Minister said the Federal Government has also directed the National Broadcasting Commission to immediately commence the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations in Nigeria.”

    In a Twitter thread, the lawmaker representing Surulere at the Lagos State House of Assembly urged the federal government to reverse the suspension stating that the ban, ‘no matter the reasons proffered tramples upon our fundamental rights as people.’

    The legislator said, “I want to admonish our government to always remember that the people’s right to express themselves freely must not be compromised. This ban, no matter the reasons proffered tramples upon our fundamental rights as people.”

    He said, “In a democratic society like ours, we must weigh the economic and social impact of this ban on the populace — especially our teeming youths and entrepreneurs who depend solely on this platform to carry out their legitimate business.

    “In the past, our government have shown the required goodwill to stand on side of the people even when it’s not too convenient for them to do so. I believe that this won’t be an exception. I want to appeal to the government to reconsider this ban in the interest of our people and our country at large.”

  • I used to pay your transport at LASU – Georgina Onuoha knocks Desmond Elliot

    I used to pay your transport at LASU – Georgina Onuoha knocks Desmond Elliot

    Actress, Georgina Onuoha has stated that she lost the respect she once had for Desmond Elliot, Nollywood actor-turned-politician, over his comments about the youth and their deployment of social media.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that on Thursday, a video surfaced where Elliot spoke of the violent aftermath of the #EndSARS protests at the Lagos state house of assembly.

    He called the youth reacting riotously to the October 20 Lekki shooting “children” while justifying the limit on the usage of social media in Nigeria

    Amid allegations that he pushed for a bill to regulate social media, Elliot’s comments had incited some Nigerians on Twitter.

    Joining the backlash, Onuoha took to her Instagram page to express her dissatisfaction at the politician, saying he has now lost his sense of belonging since he started eating from the “table of corruption”.

    In her word: “Power does corrupt indeed. What are you talking @desmondelliot? You are not making a damn sense Shola? Because you now eat from the table of corruption, you’ve all of a sudden lost your sense of belonging?,” she asked.

    “I’ve always believed that power corrupts, but I held hope high for you and could swear for your character as a man and as a person. Apparently, you are now at a place of convenience, you now think you have the audacity to talk down on the fingers that fed you and the people whose wings propelled you to where you are today?

    “Not too long ago at Lagos State University, people like me were giving you transport money to catch a ride home. You forgot where you come from. Pele politician. Youths are waiting for you come next election. Oniranu jatijati.

    “I expected this same level of passionate speech when the youths were being killed at Lekki tollgate. I’ve not seen your speech condemning the Nigerian Army or your Governor who lied about it!

    “Just yesterday you were a nobody that everybody believed would make a change by advocating for the youths and less privileged because we all come/came from nothing to become who we are today but you’ve forgotten that.

    “I’ve truly lost every atom of respect and love I have for you. What happened to you? I’m waiting for your passion regarding the untold hunger amongst Lagosians and the high unemployment amongst our youth?

    “You feel differently now because you don’t know what it’s like again to go to bed hungry with zero hopes for tomorrow? Where is your outrage addressing Mr. Speaker in your parliament?? Have you forgotten Desmond?

    “Don’t betray who you’re and your conscience. Power is momentary. Don’t lose your soul. You truly disappoint me.”

     

  • Desmond Elliot apologises for addressing Nigerian youths as ‘children’

    Desmond Elliot apologises for addressing Nigerian youths as ‘children’

    Lagos lawmaker, Desmond Elliot has apologised for addressing Nigerian youths as children while pushing for social media regulation in Nigeria.

    A video had earlier surfaced where the actor, 46, spoke about the violent aftermath of the #EndSARS protests.

    While speaking on the floor of the House, the actor turned politician pushed for social media regulation, saying Nigerian celebrities and social media influencers promote hate speech in the country.

    Elliot said he didn’t believe that ‘children’ on social media could be bold enough to curse and insult their leaders following the Lekki shooting incident on Tuesday, October 20, 2020.

    The video in which he called on celebrities and social media influencers in Nigeria to stop fueling hatred has however gone viral as many Nigerians and celebrities dragged him on Twitter.

    The lawmaker, who recently posted a video to debunk the claim that he was pushing for social media regulation, also called on the Lagos State Government to act urgently to subdue the narrative on social media.

    However, the lawmaker has in a statement, tendered an unreserved apology to Nigerians, saying his comment was borne out of the magnitude of destruction of properties and looting of businesses that followed the Endsars protest in Lagos.

    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.

    Meanwhile, many celebrities have expressed their disappointment in Elliot, who rose from the entertainment industry to become a politician in Lagos, the economic capital of the country.

  • Nigerians knocks Desmond Elliot over comment on social vices

    Nigerians knocks Desmond Elliot over comment on social vices

    Nigerians on social media have condemned a statement credited to actor and politician, Desmond Elliot on social media vices.

    On Thursday, a video of Elliot speaking at a recent plenary — where he addressed the vices of social media — surfaced and went viral on social media.

    In the video, the lawmaker reacted to the turbulence that trailed the shooting of #EndSARS protesters at Lekki toll gate.

    Elliot said:“Mr. Speaker, in the next five years, there will be no Nigeria if we don’t start now. The youth is not only those who do the peaceful protest. Those who have looted and destroyed lives, they are youths as well.

    “Pregnant women went into malls, picked things, and went away. When shall we change this narrative? I put it to all the celebrities out there and all the motivational speakers. This is the only country we have”.

    His statement has elicited various reactions from Nigerians on social media.

    Read the comments gathered by TheNewsGuru below:

    @TopeAkinyode: Desmond Elliot thinks same way as Lai Mohammed. Youthful in age, grey in ideas.

    @BlVck_witch: The fact that Desmond Elliot actually came online that day Dr Funmi made that tweet to debunk what was tweeted only for the video to come out today confirming Funmi’s tweet, is amazing.

    @Ewawunmii: Out of the top 3 stupid people in Nigeria, Desmond Elliot is No 1 and 2, BabaJide Sanwo Olu is no 3

    @Oluwatooscene: What is the relationship between the social media and entering Oba’s palace? How did he go from “stop the hate speech already” to “we must decentralize” Desmond Elliot is a Clown

    @Daddy_lewa: Desmond Elliot will be out in a lounge/party/or the mall and someone will break bottle on his head. Save this tweet.

    @UccheJombo: The same social media they “USED” to package themselves into power.

     

     

     

  • #ENDSARS: Davido, others tongue-lash Desmond Elliot for demanding regulation of social media

    #ENDSARS: Davido, others tongue-lash Desmond Elliot for demanding regulation of social media

    The lawmaker representing Surulere 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has come under attack for referring to protesters as children and saying that Nigeria may disintegrate if the social media space is not regulated.

    The Nollywood veteran had while issuing the warning during plenary lamented the massive looting in the wake of the End SARS protests across the country.

    He had urged social media influencers, celebrities to stop spreading hate via social media.

    Reacting, Singer, Davido and some Nigerians took to their Twitter page to express their disappointment over Desmond Elliot’s statement.

    Read some reactions from netizens:

    @Davido, “Desmond Elliot just destroyed all the precious childhood memories he gave us in movies.”

    @sa_vvy_, “So Desmond Idiot thinks in the next five years there’ll be no Nigeria, not because of our murderous leaders or the high rate of poverty, but because of social media. that man has lost the plot.

    @chukkusmiles_”If Desmond Elliot had the fear of God and respected those who lost their lives at the #LekkiMassacre we won’t be here. Such a shame.”

    @Drolufunmilayo, “People died.
    But Desmond is more angry about online “curses” against their killers.

    “People were massacred but Desmond is more angry about the Oba Palace. People were murdered but Desmond is more angry about social media. Dear young Nigerian, I hope you now know your enemies.”

    @Chlemchi, “How old is Desmond Elliot to call young people children? This is the illusion of political office in Nigeria. It makes one think they are infallible.”

    @alexloboloba, “Surulere residents need to apologize to Lagosians for voting for a representative like Desmond Idiot.”

    @BhadmudAkeem, “Desmond Elliot has only been a politician for 6 years, yet he has been consumed totally by the devil. This boy is just 46 years of age ooo, yet he’s referring to us as children.”

    @egwunte, “Desmond Elliot would later come to children for votes. When we cry against bad governance it looks as if we’re the only people that would benefit from a good and accountable Nigeria. Let’s not forget that Desmond Elliot called #EndSARS protesters children.”

    @mrericcarter, “I cannot say I’m surprised at what Desmond Elliot was saying, when you join the APC it seems they automatically remove your thinking faculty.”

    @amakadiva09, “Desmond Elliot is a proof that having youths at the helm of affairs in this country is not a guarantee for good governance. You can’t vouch for anyone, power changes people. ”

  • There will be no Nigeria in five years if we don’t tackle social media- Desmond Elliot

    There will be no Nigeria in five years if we don’t tackle social media- Desmond Elliot

    Popular actor, Desmond Elliot who is representing Surulere constituency in the Lagos state house of assembly, has declared that there’ll be no Nigeria in five years if the vices of social media aren’t tackled.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that the stylish filmmaker had earlier denied claims by Harvey Olufumilayo, a Twitter influencer, that he pushed for a bill to regulate social media — sparking controversy on Twitter.

    But on Thursday, a video of Elliot speaking at a recent plenary — where he addressed the vices of social media — surfaced and went viral on social media.

    In the video, the lawmaker reacted to the turbulence that trailed the shooting of #EndSARS protesters at Lekki toll gate.

    “We need to address certain things: Nigerian youth; social media; social influencers. These make the narrative that we’re seeing today. Except we’re joking with ourselves, social media has its negative impacts,” he can be heard saying.

    “Let me first thank you for condemning the wanton killings and carnage that happened at Lekki. When I went through the comments, I could not believe it, Mr. Speaker. Curses, the abuses from children.

    “And I asked myself, ‘Is this Nigeria? What is going on? Children cursing. People having the effrontery to enter an Oba’s palace and hold his staff of office? Culture is gone!

    “Mr. Speaker, in the next five years, there will be no Nigeria if we don’t start now. The youth is not only those who do the peaceful protest. Those who have looted and destroyed lives, they are youths as well.

    “Pregnant women went into malls, picked things, and went away. When shall we change this narrative? I put it to all the celebrities out there and all the motivational speakers. This is the only country we have.

    “When anything happens, what is our common say is ‘we die here’. Please celebrities and social media influencers, stop the hatred already. You have a means constitutionally to change the government, it’s called your PVC.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CG7do-bj1EH/

  • [Video]Desmond Elliot refutes pushing for bill to regulate social media

    [Video]Desmond Elliot refutes pushing for bill to regulate social media

    The member representing Surulere Constituency 1 in the Lagos House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has debunked rumours that the lawmakers are working on a bill to regulate social media.

    Earlier on Tuesday, Twitter was agog with tweeple claiming the Lagos Assembly is working on a bill to control the use of social media. The end product of the rumoured bill, some of them claimed, was to water down the shooting of #EndSARS protesters in Lekki.

    #EndSARS protesters during a candlelight procession in honour of victims of police brutality.

    But in a video on his Instagram page on the same day, the 46-year-old actor described the reports as “unfounded.”

    “Please, I beg of you, I beg us. I beg everyone. This is not true, it is totally unfounded,” the actor who has featured in more than two hundred films, many television shows and soap operas, explained.

    “Aren’t we going through a lot already? It is not true, period. No State House of Assembly, not one, has the jurisdiction to even deliberate or pass any bill like this; it is not possible.”

    While explaining that the passage of such bill can only be done at the Federal level, the lawmaker added, however, that “every member (lawmaker) has a right to say something.”

    He equally explained that he only called on celebrities and social media influencers not to use their platforms to promote hate particularly now that the country is going through a lot.

    “The only thing I said towards social media was to the celebrities, social influencers and motivational speakers,” he stated. “I said, ‘listen, you have followers. Please, can we cut down on the hate narrative?’ Everyone is going through so much right now!”

    Watch video:

  • Go back to your acting career, Nigerians blast Desmond Elliot for admitting Tinubu as godfather

    Go back to your acting career, Nigerians blast Desmond Elliot for admitting Tinubu as godfather

    Popular Nollywood actor Desmond Eliot, now a politician, has been under a barrage of fierce attacks following his comment justifying godfatherism.

    The Nollywood actor also openly acknowledged a former Lagos governor and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as his godfather.

    His remark has infuriated Nigerians as many have taken to Twitter to troll the sitting Lagos State House of Assembly member.

    Desmond Eliot in an interview spoke about Obaseki’s “Edo no be Lagos” slogan. The Lagos lawmaker berated Obaseki for the slogan.

    Speaking on Obaseki’s aim to end godfatherism in Edo, Desmond Elliot said loyalty is important.

    Elliot also said that If not for godfatherism Obaseki would not be where he is today.

    Elliot while defending godfatherism said that a godfather looks after the interest of his people.

    These comments have not gone down well with Nigerians.

    https://twitter.com/simply_sunnery/status/1304502325596348417?s=20

    https://twitter.com/eronsjohnson/status/1304503599746162689?s=20

    https://twitter.com/ekwueme_justin/status/1304510295201775619?s=20

  • Edo poll: Desmond Elliot tears Obaseki apart, says ‘Edo must be Lagos’

    Edo poll: Desmond Elliot tears Obaseki apart, says ‘Edo must be Lagos’

    Nollywood star turned politician, Desmond Elliot has lashed at Governor Godwin Obaseki for promoting “Edo no be Lagos” as a campaign strategy for his re-election.

    Obaseki began to promote the slogan “Edo no be Lagos” after he dumped the All Progressives Congress to seek re-election on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party.

    Prior to his defection, Obaseki met with Tinubu in Lagos to push for his endorsement as automatic candidate ahead of the gubernatorial election in Edo State but the APC leader advised him to go through the direct primaries endorsed by the party.

    Obaseki went through the direct primaries and was disqualified by the committee set-up by his estranged godfather and predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole.

    However, since his defection to the PDP, Obaseki’s effective campaign strategy to influence Edo State resident to vote for him touches on ending Godfatherism which he claimed was effective in Lagos but won’t be allowed in Edo.

    But, Desmond Elliot in an interview on Thursday said the slogan “Edo no be Lagos” is a curse which will be broken by Pastor Ize-Iyamu.

    Desmond, who was elected to the Lagos House of Assembly under APC, noted that “Saying Edo state can never be Lagos State means that Edo state can never be as developed as Lagos State.”

    He said: “What do you mean by Edo state cannot be Lagos state. You cannnot say you cant be Lagos State when Lagos State makes an IGR of over 30 billion every month. You can’t hear about unpaid salaries or pension. You see projects coming up, investors and investment coming up, we are the fifth largest economy in Africa. So why will you say Edo can’t be Lagos because you are trying to sell an idea.”

    Speeaking on god-fatherism in politics, Desmond Elliot said: “If not for God-fatherism would he (Obaseki) be where he is today.”

    Desmond Elliot added that: “A God-father looks after the interest of his people.”