Ejike Asiegbu, an ace actor, has apologised for a video calling out the administration of Hope Uzodinma, Imo governor.

Recently, Uche Nnanna-Maduka, an actress, made a video criticising the governor for a power outage at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Imo.

In the two-minute footage, Nnanna-Maduka made hard-hitting remarks about Uzodinma’s administration and openly shamed the state.

Capturing the dark scenery at the arrival terminal, she lamented that baggage claim on touchdown had to be done outdoors as a result.

“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 what we are experiencing. This is wrong and unacceptable,” she said, speaking in both Igbo and English.

“Who is ruling this state? What are we doing? In 2024 no lights at the airport. No, it’s wrong. Imo state, shame on you. See our Sam Mbakwe Airport. No light. Hope Uzodinma, look at us.”

The actors spotted in the video include Ejike Asiegbu, Fred Amata, Keppy Ekpenyong, Gloria Nobert Young, and Grace Amah.

They had visited the state for an event hosted by Lucky Ejike Chukwu, a former African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in the 2019 elections.

In response, Oguwuike Nwachuku, Uzodinma’s chief press secretary, authored a newspaper article where he described Nnanna-Maduka’s comments as a “deliberate ploy to insult the governor and in a manner that suggested she was hired to do so”.

Asiegbu had countered the Nwachukwu’s remarks, describing it as “uncharitable” and “unprofessional conduct”.

On Thursday, however, Asiegbu apologised for the “scandalous” video on behalf of his colleagues.

He said the video never intended to belittle the governor but was “maliciously misinterpreted” by the governor’s chief press secretary.

“I most respectfully apologise on behalf of my colleague Uchenna Maduka to my friend, brother, elder statesman, and governor, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Hope Uzodimma for the embarrassment this video may have caused him,” he said.

“While I do not come from Imo state, I am married to a wonderful and loving wife from Imo state. Besides, we Abia state people were part of the old Imo state and so would always want the very best for Imo state and its people because we are all brothers and sisters.

“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.”

Asiegbu’s apology comes just as Nnanna-Maduka had also reportedly apologised for filming the video.