Bello El-Rufai, the son to Governor of Kaduna State, has apologized for the outrageous comment he sent to one of his Twitter followers.
Bello threatened to ‘rape’ one of his Twitter follower’s mother after an argument on the United States President, Donald Trump and President Muhammadu Buhari’s roles since the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic across the world.
Bello while responding to the Twitter user @thanos_zer on Sunday following a disagreement in their opinion said, “Tell your mother I’m passing her to my friends tonight. No Igbo sounds please! Tueh.
No sooner had @thanos_zer, who has maintained his anonymity, posted the message on his timeline.
The comments stirred condemnation and heavy criticism from Nigerians including a former Minister of Education in Nigeria, Obiageli Ezekwesili.
Bello also attacked Obiageli Ezekwesili for trying to reprimand him for his hurtful outburst.
However, in series of tweets, Bello apologised for his action.
He noted that the comment was made “during the heat of the moment”.
“A few days ago, I made a comment that was wrong, unbecoming and contrary to the values on which I was raised. I wish to withdraw the statement and apologise to the gentleman concerned for the hurtful comment. I also apologise for appearing to attack and entire ethnic group for the misdeed of one person,” the statement read.
“I regret the sexual innuendo in the private message and apologise unreservedly for it. I wish to state very strongly that the statement was made during the heat of the moment and I wish to put on the record that I do not condone sexual violence.”
Bello noted that there can be no justification for gender-based crimes, adding that the experience had taught him how to behave better subsequently.
“I certainly do not believe that there can be any justification for gender-based crimes. I am learning from the episode in the continuous journey of emerging as a better person. I have apologized to my mother in person,” he added.
“I have also reached out to the women in my life and apologised. I realise that the intensity around this matter stems partly from my surname.
Bello said he regretted that his action has brought ridicule to his family which has always upheld strong values in the society.
“The mistakes I made with the private message and in smearing an ethnic group because of one person are now being replicated by people that are attacking my parents and my family because of my conduct. I am one of many children in a family raised with standards of decency and strong values of which my recent conduct has fallen short.
“I appreciate the time that friends and loved ones have taken to show me the error of my ways. I apologise to the general public in recognition of the duty to acknowledge wrongdoing and strive to be better.”
However, on Friday afternoon, @thanos_zer declined to comment on Bello El-Rufai’s apology, saying he would take his time to review it and make a public statement if necessary.
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