Borno commissioner who threatened to flog opposition apologises

Borno State Commissioner Sainna Buba has apologised and formally withdrawn remarks in which he threatened to “flog” opposition members who refused to support the All Progressives Congress.

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The government is our government

Buba had said that people who opposed the government would be punished, telling supporters that those who followed the government would enjoy “the honey.” The comments circulated in a video and drew public concern.

Speaking to journalists in Maiduguri, Buba said the remarks made during an empowerment programme organised by the City Boy Movement were never intended to harm anyone or violate people’s rights to freedom of choice and association under Nigeria’s constitution. He said he had previously clarified that the statement was not meant literally, but apologised because the controversy continued.

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Whoever dares to show us a finger again, we will break his finger

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

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I wish to state, unequivocally, that my remark was never intended to harm or violate the fundamental rights of the people of our dear state to freedom of choice and association, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)

He added that the comment did not represent the ideals of the APC or the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum. Buba said the party and the state government respected all sections of society, especially young people, and that Zulum and the APC had demonstrated a democratic spirit during the past seven years.

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I am using this medium to retract my earlier statement formally and to apologise to the entire people of Borno State and beyond for any offence it may have caused