Tobias Sylvester
Nigerian comedienne, Maryam Apaokagi, popularly known as Taaooma, has taken to social media to apologize to Nigerians who felt offended who her recent visit to the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
KanyiDaily recalls that Osinbajo had on Wednesday received a delegation of Nigerian comedians under the auspices of the Nigeria Skits Industry Awards (NSIA), led by its promoter, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, at the Presidential Villa Abuja.
The delegation included Maryam Apaokagi, popularly known as Taooma; Josh Alfred (Josh2funny); Ayo Ajewole (Woli Agba); Adebamiro Adeyanju (Mr. Hyenana), Adeoye Adeyemi Elesho (Yemi Elesho), among others.
The development had triggered a heated discussion among Nigerians on social media, with some users accusing the comedians of visiting the Vice president for their selfish gain.
Some also alleged that the comedians visited the Presidential Villa to promote the skits awards but they made Nigerians believe they went to talk on behalf of the youths and about the Twitter ban.
Taaooma Apologizes For Visiting VP Yemi Osinbajo
In a series of tweets shared on her Twitter page, Taooma apologized for visiting the Presidential Villa, noting that she initially declined the invitation but later changed her mind because she saw an opportunity to share some hot issues affecting the youths.
The comedienne, who lamented that they could not record everything that happened during their visit because their electronic devices were all collected from them, said actually tabled the matters of police brutality and Twitter ban to the Vice President.
She said, ”.. I was going to wallow in my “shame” and keep mute. But with the way it’s going, it seems the wound will keep getting deep. The organizer of the “skit awards” needed more publicity for the event, secured a meeting with the VP and invited so many “skit makers”
“I also declined at first as many others. But then, at the die minute, I gave it a rethink: what if I pull a Trojan? Gain access to the state house with this “skit awards” thingy and say my mind on hot issues.
Unfortunately for us, after passing through many security checks all our Electronic devices were collected. I couldn’t even go live or record videos. All I did was do what others didn’t want to. And trust me, the VP himself was shocked when I started speaking about those issues as that wasn’t his expectations.
“I’m really sorry if I have offended anyone by going that way, but I achieved my aim. I said all I could straight to the VP. The VP’s media team were in charge of photos and videos, I might have fully declined if I knew that I won’t be able to go in with my camera or phone.
“The pictures taken after were sent to the “skit awards” pr team. That’s why the photos went out before we got our own hands on it. I started getting tags and some even said I was being “called out”.
“My plan was to get the video as soon as it’s ready and post it. But I had no choice than to immediately post the available photo and state what happened at the meeting. I hope when the video is ready, everyone will know I’m saying nothing but the truth and my conscience is clear. Once again, I apologize deeply to everyone who felt disappointed.”
Taaooma Don’t Owe Anyone Apology – Aisha Yesufu
Reacting on her Twitter page, Nigerian activist, Aisha Yesufu asked Taaooma to stop apologizing to critics over her meeting with Osinbajo, noting that her intention for the visit is all that matters.
Aisha wrote, “Dear Taaooma, you don’t need to apologise to anyone! You did not do anything wrong by having a meeting with Osinbajo.
“There are different ways of achieving something. It is never one way and it is okay whatever way one chooses. Intentions are what count and you know yours!
“Remember the Prophet (SAW) said Actions are judged according to intentions and that is all that matters. Your intentions are what should matter to you.
“What people think or say to you must never matter. What we feel alone with our thoughts is what should matter the most.”
Meanwhile, another popular comedian, Mr Macaroni has revealed why he declined the visit, while defending his colleagues saying that he believes they visited the Vice President with the best of intentions for the country.
