‘HARMLESS ENCOUNTER’ — OSHIOMHOLE RESPONDS TO VIRAL VIDEO CONTROVERSY

Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole has responded to public reactions trailing a viral video showing him aboard a private jet with a lady, describing the footage as a misrepresentation of what transpired.

In a statement addressed to Nigerians, the senator acknowledged the negative reactions generated by the video and insisted that he is not an insensitive public office holder who would recklessly flaunt wealth or engage in inappropriate private conduct.

According to Oshiomhole, the encounter occurred in the course of a personal initiative aimed at promoting Nigeria’s image internationally.

He said he had reached out to Leshaan Da Gama, a South African influencer and adult content creator, to explore her involvement in a privately funded rebranding project.

The senator explained that the initiative was conceived against the backdrop of what he described as sustained allegations by the United States government of “genocide against Christians in Nigeria.”

He noted that South Africa had previously pushed back against similar claims, which informed his decision to engage a South African influencer with a large digital following.

Oshiomhole stressed that Da Gama was selected solely for her online reach and influence, not for the nature of her content.

He added that their discussion was “engaging, intellectually stimulating and productive,” and expressed optimism that the engagement would yield results in due course.

He further stated that the project is a personal diplomatic and rebranding effort, fully funded by him, and aligned with messaging from Nigeria’s Ministry of Information and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Addressing the specific content of the video, the senator said there was mutual respect between himself and the lady and denied any inappropriate conduct.

He explained that during the flight, Da Gama complained of leg cramps and requested assistance, which he said he briefly provided by massaging her foot.

According to him, members of the cabin crew later took over, although that portion of the interaction was not captured in the viral clip.

Oshiomhole expressed hope that his explanation would put an end to what he described as unnecessary sensationalisation of what he termed a harmless encounter.