Adanma Luke, the film producer, has asked Nigerians to forgive her for the boat mishap that led to the deaths of actor Junior Pope, born John Odonwodo, and four others.
Pope died on April 10 after he and other crew members fell into the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state on their way to a movie location.
Consequently, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) suspended all movies involving riverine locations and boat riding to ensure actors’ safety and prevent similar incidents.
Emeka Rollas, the president of the AGN, also warned filmmakers not to work with Luke until further notice.
But on August 3, the film association lifted the suspension on Adanma.
In a recent Instagram video, Adanma lamented that she has been experiencing sadness, depression, and guilt since the incident.
The filmmaker said despite trying to stay strong, she struggles to come to terms with the tragedy and the subsequent online backlash, adding that I am gradually losing my life.
She also appealed to Nigerians to stop blaming her and allow her to work and earn a living. She said she has been unable to work or get people for jobs since the incident.
She lamented the impact on her young child, born just months before the tragedy.
I do not have much to say. I am just hear to say that I am sorry. I am sorry Nigerians. I am sorry I took away your loved ones from what people are saying. I am very sad. As much as I am trying to be strong, I still do not see myself as being strong. I am so sad that this had to happen on my set. I am so sad that they had to come work for me at that particular time, she said.
I am not God. It is destined to happen. It is meant to happen. But then, why me? I never liked the internet drama, but this whole thing put me out there. A lot of people have been dragging me. I go through a lot. I am trying to heal but it is not coming.
… but please Nigerians, I am sorry. I do not even know what depression is until now. I am gradually losing my life. I am regretting a lot of things. I do not even know how to call people for jobs. Forgive me for employing people for jobs. People are even saying I went on vacation. I am here for business. I have been indoors doing nothing… I need to work. I need to make money. My baby was not even up to three months when this thing happened.
My friends are calling me to take me on vacation but I could not. They want me to get my sanity back but it is not coming. I believe that if anything happens to me now, everybody will rest.
