Veteran Nollywood actress Ejike Asiegbu has publicly apologised to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma for his involvement in a social media call-out regarding a power outage at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.
The controversy began when actress Uche Nnanna-Maduka posted a video online criticizing Governor Uzodinma’s administration for the lack of electricity at the airport, which forced passengers to claim their luggage in the compound.
Nnanna-Maduka’s video, which also featured actors Ejike Asiegbu, Fred Amata, Gloria Nobert Young, Grace Amah, and Keppy Ekpenyong, expressed frustration with the situation. She stated, “They said we have to claim our luggage at the compound because there is no light at Imo Airport. This is Nigeria in 2024. This is wrong and unacceptable.”
She continued, “Who is ruling this state? What are we doing? In 2024, no lights at the airport. Imo state, shame on you. See our Sam Mbakwe Airport. Hope Uzodinma, look at us.”
In response, the governor’s chief press secretary, Oguwuike Nwachuku, published a newspaper article accusing Nnanna-Maduka of being hired to criticize the administration.
On Thursday, Asiegbu issued a public apology on behalf of his colleagues, condemning Nwachuku’s remarks as uncharitable and unprofessional. “I most respectfully apologise on behalf of my colleague Uchenna Maduka to my brother, friend, elder statesman, and governor, Chief Dr. Hope Uzodinma, for the embarrassment this video may have caused him,” Asiegbu stated.
He added, “Let me state for the records that we are men and women of honour and integrity. We are not swayed by apples and carrots as Mr. Oguwike has maliciously adduced.”
This apology follows Nnanna-Maduka’s reported remorse for filming and sharing the video.