Borno commissioner withdraws threat to ‘whack’ opposition, apologizes to residents

Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youth Development and Sports, Sainna Buba, has officially withdrawn his controversial threat to “whack” those who refuse to support the All Progressives Congress, APC, and apologized to residents of the state and the public at large.

Buba came under fire after a video emerged showing him making statements saying that those who support the government will benefit, while those who resist will face consequences.

During the event, the commissioner stated, “The government is our government,” while stating that those who follow the government will enjoy its “honey.”

He also said, “We are now playing politics. Whoever shows us a finger, we will show his finger. Whoever dares to show us a finger again, we will break his finger.”

“The government is our government. Those who follow us will enjoy the honey; if you refuse, then you will be caned,” he added.

However, while speaking with journalists in Maiduguri, Wednesday, Buba sought to calm the controversy and stressed that his comments were not intended as a threat to the constitutional rights of Borno citizens.

“In the last few days, comments I made at an empowerment program organized by the Urban Children’s Movement in Maiduguri have raised great concern in the public sphere.

“I wish to state, unequivocally, that my statements were never intended to harm or violate the fundamental rights of the people of our beloved state to freedom of choice and association, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” he said.

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The commissioner said he had previously tried to explain that the controversial statement should not be interpreted literally.

But with the ongoing backlash, Buba said he deemed it necessary to publicly and officially retract the statement and offer an apology.

“However, in view of the ongoing concerns, I use this medium to officially retract my previous statement and apologize to the entire people of Borno State and beyond for any offense it may have caused,” Buba added.

He also distanced the Borno State Government and the APC from his previous comments, saying they did not reflect the principles of either the ruling party or the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

“Let me state categorically that my comments in no way represent the ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the administration of His Excellency Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum,” he stressed.

According to Buba, the APC-led government in the state is not seeking to undermine the basic rights of citizens or curtail freedom of choice and political association.

“On the contrary, the party and government continue to uphold and respect every level of our society, especially our young generation, who remain loyal supporters of the Zulum party and government,” he stressed.

The commissioner further said Governor Zulum and the APC have consistently demonstrated democratic values ​​over the past seven years, assuring citizens that the commitment to these principles will continue until the end of the governor’s term.