Ex-Deputy Governor Ojikutu To Renounce Citizenship, Says Will Not Hold Passport With Tinubu As President

Former Deputy Governor Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu has reportedly decided to renounce her Nigerian citizenship after claiming her life was in danger, following the win of Bola Tinubu in the presidential elections.

She revealed that she wanted the process of renouncing her citizenship to be completed before May 29, when the presidential inauguration will be held.

"Before the results of the presidential elections were declared, I came out to say that if Bola Tinubu won the election, I would renounce my citizenship in Nigeria and I have my reasons," Ojikutu said on Wednesday, while addressing media at her Lagos residence, Punch reported.

The 77-year-old former deputy governor shared that after election results were announced on Feb. 25, people called her up, saying he would not do anything "bad."

However, she said she still feels "endangered by the current situation."

"I have been ostracised and humiliated in places where I should be honored because of his not being at peace with me," she continued. "I will not hold a Nigerian passport with Bola Tinubu as President. I am praying to God to give me the nation I can go to."

Ojikutu clarified that she won't be going to the United States or the United Kingdom. Instead, she said, she wanted to choose a simple place, where she can stay the rest of her life.

"I don't know where I am going but I have already given it to the lawyers to please see where I can get the citizenship," she added. "I am working on it seriously before May 29."

Ojikutu also pointed out problems with Nigeria's National Assembly system.

She explained that the natural resources of Nigeria were more than enough for every citizen if the resources are "well managed." After serving the country as a governor, Ojikutu noted she feels "ashamed" to call herself a public officer.

"I am ashamed to call myself a public officer because I cannot see all my sacrifices. And some people will boast of their political status as excellency. Excellency over a nation like this?" she said. "People who have served this nation faithfully are unhappy at the turn up of events."

Ojikutu acknowledged there were many people hungry on the streets, adding everything that was "supposed to be put in place has not been put in place."

Moreover, she encouraged anyone who was not satisfied with the election results to challenge Tinubu's victory in court.

"I wish we have a good person who will come on board and say everybody should declare their assets," she concluded. "The whole nation is corrupt from top to bottom."

Forty-four ministers in the Federal Executive Council, including President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and Member of the Senate of Nigeria Kashim Shettima, will declare their assets ahead of May 29.

Aside from Buhari and Osinbajo, 28 state governors and their cabinet members alongside state assembly members and local government chairmen will declare their assets by filling out the Code of Conduct Bureau forms.

Tinubu will take over the role of president in May after Buhari steps down.