A Sokoto-based Islamic cleric has issued a public apology after a viral video captured him making inflammatory remarks about First Lady Remi Tinubu, suggesting that she deserved to be killed for her religious beliefs.
In the video, the cleric can be heard asserting that Remi Tinubu, as a pastor and an “infidel,” should face death according to his interpretation of Islamic scripture. However, he admitted that his understanding of the scriptures was flawed, and he should not have made such hateful statements.
The cleric did not provide any specific chapter or verse from the Quran to support his claims but insisted that Tinubu’s status as an infidel warranted her death, citing her leadership position among Christians.
In addition to his remarks about the First Lady, the cleric criticized the Muslim/Muslim ticket that brought President Bola Tinubu to power, labeling it as a scam.
Following the widespread backlash and condemnation sparked by his comments, the cleric publicly apologized for his words, acknowledging the erroneous nature of his interpretation and expressing regret for the offensive nature of his statements.
The apology comes amid calls for religious tolerance and respect for differing beliefs in the diverse Nigerian society, emphasizing the importance of promoting harmony and understanding among different faith communities.