Borno Commissioner Apologises Over Threat To Opposition Supporters

Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, has apologised after remarks threatening opposition supporters drew public criticism.

Buba made the apology in Maiduguri on Wednesday after a video from a City Boy Movement event circulated online. In the video, he warned that people who opposed the ruling party could be flogged and also made remarks about breaking fingers.

He later told journalists that his comments were not meant to threaten residents or deny anyone the right to choose a political party. He said the remarks had caused concern and formally retracted them.

The commissioner also said the comments did not represent the position of the All Progressives Congress or Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration.

Both reports said Buba directed the apology to Borno residents and members of the opposition. Vanguard identified him as Saina Buba, while Punch used Sainna Buba.

The apology comes as political actors in several states face closer scrutiny over campaign language ahead of the next general election cycle.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard