Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir has condemned the recent threats to the life of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu by a Bauchi-based Islamic cleric, describing it as a “national embarrassment”.
The Governor who reacted to the threat on Tuesday at the Palace of the Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, said, “I was disappointed and frustrated that the death threats came from someone, an Islamic Cleric from Bauchi State.”
Bala Mohammed who went with the First Lady to pay a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi during a one-day official visit to Bauchi, said that it is a national embarrassment that someone from his State would threaten the Wife of the President.
He, therefore, apologised to her over the incident even as he vowed that the Cleric would not be spared but would be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the relevant laws of the country.
“Your Excellency, you have distinguished yourself not only as a Distinguished Senator but, as a politician that has opened the new frontier of politics and politicking.
“Your renewed hope is being given as hope because you have set aside all the differences of politics and partisanship.
“And of course, 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, you decided to come to Bauchi.
“Your Royal Highness, this distinguished Lady has shown that Nigeria is really 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.
“And that renegade, we will deal with him and Allah deal with him, by the grace of God. On behalf of their Royal Highnesses and the people of Bauchi State, we apologize for that national embarrassment, it will not happen again.”
While speaking before the Emir, shortly after the Governor finished making his remarks, the First Lady said, “I am not afraid to die”.
“After reaching 60 years of age, I should not be afraid of death. I want to thank His Excellency (Bauchi Governor), he keeps assuring me that I am safe but, I want to say that I am too old to be afraid.
“If God has granted me over 60 years on earth, I shouldn’t be afraid of death.”
“I thank God that you encouraged me to come. Nigeria belongs to all of us and this is the time for us to unite more than ever before.”
In his response, the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, dispelled the insinuations that Bauchi was not a peaceful State.
He described her visit to the State as a powerful symbol of the peace and progress of Bauchi State.
According to him, “I’ll like to use this opportunity to dispel any misconception about insecurity in Bauchi State. Our State is and has always been a State of peace and harmony.”
“Our people are known for their tolerance and understanding, mutual respect and cooperation. Isolated incidents do not define us. We are resilient people and we are committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property of residents and visitors alike,” he said.
