Islamic cleric Idris Tenshi has issued a public apology to Remi Tinubu, wife of Nigerian political leader Bola Tinubu, following his controversial remarks calling for her demise.
Tenshi’s comments, made during a sermon where he labeled Mrs. Tinubu as an “infidel” and advocated for her killing, sparked widespread condemnation and calls for his prosecution.
The cleric’s retraction came swiftly after facing immense backlash from various quarters, including the Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria and the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), who demanded his arrest and legal action. Tenshi, acknowledging his error, expressed remorse in a video message, attributing his misguided statements to human fallibility.
“I would like to pass this message to Nigerians regarding a video I did which is circulating on social media. All the things I said were a mistake and I don’t stand on the words I said,” Tenshi stated in his apology.
“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.”
Tenshi stated that the political season had clouded his judgment, leading to his regrettable remarks. He extended his apology to the entirety of Nigeria, acknowledging Mrs. Tinubu’s role as a figure of maternal significance.
“Now that God has given Bola Tinubu power, we have no other option than to support him and wish him and his family well,” Tenshi added, urging for unity and reconciliation.
