Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomole has broken his silence on a viral video showing him on a private jet with a lady, describing it as a “total misrepresentation” of what actually happened.
In a statement, Oshiomole explained that he was discussing a personal project with Leshaan Da Gama, a South African influencer and adult content creator, aimed at promoting Nigeria’s image abroad. He claimed he reached out to Da Gama to enlist her influence in countering negative narratives about Nigeria.
However, Nigerians are not buying it. Many have taken to social media to express their outrage and disappointment, calling out Oshiomole’s perceived insensitivity and recklessness. Activist Omoyele Sowore slammed Oshiomole, saying he’s “living in a different economic universe”
Some critics argue that Oshiomole’s explanation is a poor attempt to deflect attention from his lavish lifestyle. “Our politicians don’t see us finish. The way they flaunt their expensive lifestyle to our faces is shocking, especially with taxpayers’ money,” tweeted @iamogbems
Meanwhile, Leshaan Da Gama, the woman in the video, has confirmed the encounter was real, telling Nigerians to “go be mad at him, not me”
“Dear Nigerians,
I am aware of the reactions which greeted a short video of mine on a private jet with a lady which is now viral and I know many of it are negative.
Firstly, I want to inform you all that the video was a total misrepresentation of what truly transpired.
Secondly, I’m not an insensitive public office holder who will flaunt wealth and private encounters with recklessness.
Now to what truly transpired…..
As a patriotic Nigerian, and a Senator of the Federal Republic, I am duty-bound to protect and promote the sovereign integrity of Nigeria and it was in furtherance of this that I reached out to Leshaan Da Gama, a popular South African influencer and adult content creator in a bid to enlist her as an influencer on a personal funded project of mine.
In the face of the sustained allegations and narratives of “genocide against Christians in Nigeria” by American government and also not being unmindful of South Africa’s strong defiance and response to US government when it made similar allegations against the country, I thought it wise that the best person to enlist for the great task at hand is no other person than Ms. Da Gama.
Ms. Da Gama was not picked because of her contents, but for her large audience and influence on digital media space and I can reliably inform you that our conversation was engaging, intellectually stimulating and productive which hopefully will start yielding results soon.
The project at hand is an attempt and diplomacy which is funded by me. It is a rebranding campaign efforts which will be hinged on the inspiring messages produced by and pushed out by the ministry of information and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Now, I shall speak to the content of the video.
I must say that the young lady and I had mutual respect for each other and warmed up to each other as we found our personalities engaging and nothing more.
While on the plane to our destination, she complained of cramp and as I was the person close to her, she politely requested I help massage her foot to relieve the pains and cramp, and that was all I did.
At some point, the cabin crew took over but regrettably, that was not captured.
I hope my explanation of the true account of events will put an end to the needless dramatic and sensationalization of a harmless encounter.
Signed:
Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomole.
SENATOR OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.
