Veteran Nollywood actor, Ejike Asiegbu, has issued an apology to Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, following a video in which he and other actors criticized the governor.

The controversy began when actress Uche Nnanna-Maduka shared a video on social media, condemning Governor Uzodinma for a power outage at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Imo. The video featured actors Ejike Asiegbu, Fred Amata, Gloria Nobert Young, Grace Amah, and Keppy Ekpenyong. In the video, Nnanna-Maduka said, “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. 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.”

Governor Uzodinma’s chief press secretary, Oguwuike Nwachuku, responded with a newspaper article accusing Nnanna-Maduka of being hired to criticize the governor.

In a viral statement on Thursday, Asiegbu apologized on behalf of his colleagues, calling Nwachukwu’s remarks uncharitable and unprofessional. “I most respectfully apologize 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. Let me state for the record that we are men and women of honor and integrity. We are not swayed by apples and carrots as Mr. Oguwike has maliciously adduced,” Asiegbu said.

This apology comes after reports that Nnanna-Maduka had also apologized for making the video.