Idris Tenshi, an Islamic cleric, has retracted his call for the killing of Oluremi Tinubu, the president’s wife.
The cleric had said in a sermon that the president’s wife was an “infidel” who deserved to die.
He said in Hausa: “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 faced backlash over his remarks.
On Friday, the Christian Association of Nigeria’s Youth Wing (YOWICAN) called for the cleric’s arrest and prosecution.
The group said the government and security agencies must act against the cleric urgently.
But in a new video, Tenshi apologised to the president’s wife for his remarks.
Tenshi said he made a “mistake” and he has taken back everything he said.
He said: “I want to send this message to Nigerians about a video I made that is going viral on social media.”
“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.”
