‘I take back my words’ — cleric who called for killing of Remi Tinubu apologises

Idris Tenshi, an Islamic cleric, has apologised over his comments about Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the president.

The cleric, in a sermon, described the wife of the president as an “infidel” who should be killed.

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,” he had added.

The cleric came under fire over the comments.

On Friday, the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) demanded the arrest and prosecution of the cleric.

The group said there is an urgent need for the government and security agencies to take action against the cleric.

However, in a new video, Tenshi apologised to the wife of the president over his comments.

Tenshi said everything he said was “a mistake”, adding that he has withdrawn all that he said.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.”