EXTRA: Actress apologises for bungling lyrics of national anthem during police retreat

Mercy Isoyip aka Descushiel, an actress, rapper and singer, has apologised to the public and the police institution for bungling the lyrics of the anthem on national television. 

At a conference and retreat for senior police officers in Owerri, the Imo state capital on Monday, Descushiel who had been garbed in a police uniform just for the event, mangled stanzas of the national anthem to viral proportions.

A video of her rendition had Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo state, and other guests in the hall looking on in bewilderment.

The clip has been making the rounds on social media platforms.

“I’m an actress and an artiste. I want to sincerely apologise to the Nigerian police force and citizens of this great nation and also dignitaries that were present at the conference and retreat for senior police officers held on the 30th of October in Imo state,” the singer said in a video posted on X.

“I also want to apologise to my fans.”

Descushiel said she understands the importance of the national anthem and that there was no rationale for her below-par performance.

She also promised to make amends in the future.

“I want to say I acknowledge and I understand the importance of the national anthem and I’m deeply sorry and I regret that I fell short in upholding the respect and reverence that it deserves,” she said.

“The Nigerian police gave me the opportunity and platform to lead the national anthem as a way of showcasing my craft in the entertainment industry and also to project the collaboration and friendly synergy between the police and the citizenry.

“I want to say I deeply respect the Nigerian police force and its unwavering commitment to serving our dear nation and to also add that I understand the importance of the values and traditions that the Nigerian police uphold.

“Please accept my apology and my assurance that I’ll be more careful to prevent any future occurrence of this sort.

“I want to apologise for any disruption that this unfortunate incident may have caused.

“I’m ready to make amends.”

Descushiel is a graduate of accounting from the University of Calabar. She also possesses a second degree in acting from the US.

She has four mix tapes and two singles titled: ‘Thirsty and Descushiel’ to her name.

She shot her first movie in Calabar, the Cross River state capital, and began acting professionally in 2016 after graduating from the New York Film Academy.

Some of the movies she has starred in include ‘Paige’, ‘Washerman’, ‘The Graduate’, ‘Neighbours’, ‘Once upon a Couple’, among others.