Approximately two weeks ago, Idris Tenshi, an Islamic preacher based in Bauchi, sparked outrage by calling for the “killing” of Senator Remi Tinubu, the wife of the President, citing her marriage to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Muslim, as grounds for being an “infidel.” Senator Remi Tinubu is a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
Tenshi was quoted as saying, “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.” This statement prompted widespread condemnation from concerned Nigerians, who called for the arrest of Tenshi.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State issued a profuse apology to the President’s wife, assuring her that such incidents would not recur. However, this apology came just before her official visit to the state. Tenshi also reportedly apologized, claiming that other clerics had provided him with a “clearer explanation” of the Islamic scripture he referenced.
Other concerned citizens went on to say:
“We are deeply disappointed by the continued inaction of our law enforcement agencies in response to such a grave crime. Firstly, what concern is it of Tenshi’s regarding the marital relationship between Tinubu and his wife of 27 years? Why do individuals like Tenshi believe that their status as religious preachers entitles them to flagrantly violate the civil and constitutional rights of other Nigerians who do not share their ethnic, religious, or regional backgrounds? And why do law enforcement agencies fail to uphold the law and protect the constitutional rights of Nigerians when these violations occur?
Time and again, self-proclaimed Islamic clerics and traditional leaders have committed egregious violations of rights, including blasphemy killings, abductions, forced conversions, and marriages of non-Muslim young women to Islam without parental consent, as well as the prevalence of child voters. The case of teenager Ese Rita Oruru, who was abducted from her parents’ home in Bayelsa State and forcibly married in Kano in August 2015, is still fresh in our memories.
The reluctance of law enforcement agencies to act when these violations occur in the North only encourages further offenses. Ironically, such acts are not tolerated by the same law enforcement agencies outside the North.
Tenshi’s apology is insufficient. He should be arrested and prosecuted, not only because he targeted the First Lady but also because he violated the law. There must be consequences to deter future violators.”
