Borno Commissioner Buba Who Threatened To ‘Flog’ Non-APC Supporters Apologises After Backlash | Sahara Reporters
Buba had, in a video circulating online, had said that those who supported the government would enjoy “the honey”, while those who refused to support it would be “flogged.”
The Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, has apologised and retracted his comment threatening to “flog” opposition members who do not support the All Progressives Congress.
Buba had, in a video circulating online, had said that those who supported the government would enjoy “the honey”, while those who refused to support it would be “flogged.”
He said, “We are now playing politics. Whoever shows us a finger, we will show him a 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 flogged.”
However, addressing journalists in Maiduguri on Wednesday, the commissioner said the remark was not intended to harm anyone or violate the fundamental rights of Borno residents to freedom of choice and association.
He said, “In recent days, a comment I made during the empowerment programme organised by the City Boy Movement in Maiduguri has generated considerable concern within the public space.
“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 he had earlier clarified that the comment was not intended to be taken literally.
“However, in view of the concern it has continued to generate, 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,” he added.
He stressed that the comment did not represent the ideals of the APC or the administration of Governor Babagana Zulum.
“Let me state in categorical terms that my comment does not in any way represent the ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the administration of His Excellency, Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum,” he said.
He added that the state government does not undermine the rights of citizens.
“Rather, the party and the administration continue to uphold and respect every segment of our society, particularly our youth, who have remained steadfast supporters of both the party and the Zulum administration,” he maintained.
Buba said Zulum and the APC had consistently demonstrated a democratic spirit over the past seven years, assuring that their commitment to democratic principles would remain unwavering until the end of the governor’s tenure.