Borno State Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Saina Buba, has withdrawn a controversial threat he made against residents who point fingers at government officials.
Buba made the remarks earlier in the week at the City Boy Movement Empowerment Programme in Maiduguri, where he also appeared to warn opponents of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against rejecting the ruling party.
The commissioner reportedly said APC supporters would be rewarded, while those who refused to support the party could face physical punishment.
The comments drew criticism from civil society groups, political observers and other members of the public, who said the remarks could intimidate citizens and undermine democratic rights, particularly the freedom to support political parties of their choice.
Buba later held a press briefing in which he defended his remarks, saying he had no apology to offer. He also argued that there was no opposition in Borno State and that he could not fairly be accused of threatening political opponents.
The controversy intensified until the police announced on Tuesday that it had begun investigating the commissioner’s comments, alongside remarks made by two other APC figures.
Speaking at a joint security briefing in Abuja, Force spokesperson Anietie Iniedu said comments capable of inciting members of the public, particularly those relating to the electoral process, could constitute a criminal offence.
He said the police had already questioned a senator in connection with similar comments and that the law was clear on incitement.
Hours after the police statement, Buba issued a fresh statement in which he expressed regret over the reaction to his remarks and formally withdrew them.
The commissioner said his comments were not intended to violate the constitutional rights of Borno residents to freedom of choice and association.
He acknowledged that his earlier explanation that the remark was not meant literally had failed to end the controversy.
“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,” Buba said.
He also said the remark did not represent the position of the APC or the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
According to him, the state government respects the rights of citizens and remains committed to democratic principles.
Buba said the APC and the Zulum administration had maintained a democratic approach during the governor’s tenure and would continue to do so until the end of the administration.
