‘I take back my words,’ Islamic cleric apologises days after calling for killing of First Lady Remi Tinubu

An Islamic cleric, Idris Tenshi, has issued an apology for his previous statement advocating for the assassination of Oluremi Tinubu, the president’s wife.

It’s worth noting that during a sermon, the cleric referred to the president’s wife as an “infidel” and advocated for her elimination.

The cleric, who spoke in the Hausa language, said: “Tinubu’s wife is an unbeliever and even among the unbelievers, she is a leader.”

“She is among those that Allah has instructed us to kill because she is among the leaders of the unbelievers,” had added.

The cleric came under fire over the comments.

On Friday, the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) called for the cleric’s arrest and prosecution, stressing the importance of prompt action from government and security agencies.

However, in a recent video, Tenshi issued an apology to the president’s wife for his previous remarks.

He acknowledged that his statements were “a mistake” and stated that he retracted everything he had said.

“I would like to pass this message to Nigerians regarding a video I did which is circulating on social media,” he said.

“All the things I said were a mistake and I don’t stand on the words I said. Other clerics have given me a proper explanation of the verse that I quoted.

“As a human being, I am prone to making mistakes. I am apologising to her excellency Remi Tinubu over the comments I made and taking back the words I said.

“I am also apologising to Nigerians because she (Remi Tinubu) is like a mother to us. The season of politics is over. I made those comments during the time the campaign was taking place.

“Now that God has given Bola Tinubu power, we have no other option than to support him and wish him and his family well. Whoever felt offended by the things I said, I am sorry.”