Remi Tinubu, the first lady, claims that at over 60 years old, she is too seasoned to be afraid of death.
The first lady spoke on Tuesday in response to the recent death threats issued by Idris Tenshi, an Islamic cleric from Bauchi state.
Tenshi in a sermon described the president’s wife as an “infidel” who should be killed.
The cleric who delivered his sermon in Hausa stated that “Tinubu’s wife is an unbeliever, and even among the unbelievers, she is a leader”.
The cleric later apologised to the First Lady for his remarks.
However, during a visit to Bauchi on Tuesday, Remi stated that the preacher’s diatribe did not bother her.
Remi said:
“I want to thank the Bauchi state governor for assuring me that I am safe, but I want to say that I am too old to be afraid.”
“If God has granted me more than 60 years on earth, I shouldn’t be afraid of death.
“I thank God that you encouraged me to come, and I want to say that Nigeria belongs to all of us. This is the time for us to unite more than ever before.”
Bala Mohammed, Bauchi’s governor, condemned the death threat against the first lady, calling it a “national embarrassment”.
Mohammed apologised to the first lady for the remarks and promised that the cleric would be punished.
He stated that Remi has excelled as a senator and “a politician who has opened the new frontier of politics and politicking”.
The governor said:
“I am particularly disappointed and frustrated that the death threats came from someone from Bauchi state.”
“It is a national embarrassment that someone from Bauchi state would threaten the wife of the president.
“I want to apologise to the first lady over the incident and assure her that the person will not be spared.
“Your renewed hope programme is being genuinely embraced because you have set aside all differences related to politics and partisanship.
“I am aware of some of the challenges and threats to your life and person by somebody from this state. I was so disappointed and frustrated, but you made my day as a courageous mother by deciding to come to Bauchi.
“This distinguished lady has shown that Nigeria is working and that Nigeria is one and nobody can play politics with our lives.
“We are very grateful; your life is more important to us than our own lives. Nothing will happen to you.”
Source: TheCable