- Safiu Kehinde
Rita Daniels, mother of Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels, has opened up on her daughter’s marriage to Nigerian businessman and politician, Ned Nwoko, disclosing that she never forced Regina into the marriage.
The actress’ mother made this known in an interview held earlier this month with BBC Igbo.
The clip of the interview was however shared on X on Tuesday, days after fight broke out Regina Daniels and Nwoko.
NPO Reported that a video of the incident had on Saturday surfaced on social media with Regina Daniels seen slumping on the floor outside Nwoko’s compound with some of her workers and family members consoling her.
She could be heard accusing the lawmaker of domestic violence.
In reaction, Nwoko had, in a statement issued on Sunday, denied ever assaulting Regina.
The member of Senate rather disclosed the actress’ battle with drugs and alcohol addiction and her ongoing rehabilitation programme.
Nwoko claimed Regina was the one being violent as she was alleged to have physically assaulted three staff and destroyed properties within the house.
A video attached to the statement, showed couple of smashed windows as well as the smashed glass of Ferrari car.
Meanwhile, the actress mother had in the interview uploaded by BBC Igbo on the 3rd of October before the incident recounted how her daughter had insisted on marrying Nwoko as against the narrative of being responsible for the marriage.
“When Regina got married and world blamed me that I was the one who forced her to get married to a much older man, they said I carried her and sold to an elderly man.
“What they didn’t even know is that even I didn’t know when they started their relationship.
“With everything that was going on, I was the last person to know they were in a relationship. As my daughter, I called her and asked what is going on. What she answered me was, “Have I ever introduced you to anyone as the person I wanted to get married to aside Ned Nwoko?” She said.
Rita Daniels also recounted her efforts in advising Regina which was met with aggression from the actress until Nwoko’s declaration of interest in marrying her.
“My daughter that never used to throw words at me started throwing back words. I noticed she was beginning to get stubborn about it, and then I’m like what is actually going on?
“And as at then, her husband wasn’t even into politics. Immediately after the election then was when her husband now told me he’s interested in marrying my child.
“I was weak, but what was I to do? I stood with my daughter. Was I to chased her away? So, when I saw everything, I advised as much as I could as a mother.” She revealed.
On reason behind her silence over the years, Rita disclosed that she had decided to take responsibility and criticism which came after the marriage rather than exposing Regina to the public backlash.
“That they are talking all sort of trash about Regina, the most important thing is that she’s happy where she is. And I haven’t had the energy to address anyone regarding anything.
“Nobody will be dragged this way, and the person will be in a good headspace. Anybody like me will be ready to eat shit or do anything for their child. If they put their fingers in my eyes, I take it in good faith.
“Not that what they allege is true. However, how many people will you start explaining to that this isn’t what is? Do I leave them to her blames on my daughter?
“So, it’s better for me that they heap the blame on me, tear me apart, and call me all sorts of names. I will rather take it. What matters to me is that my family is in peace.” She said.