Borno Commissioner withdraws ‘finger-breaking’ threat as police swing into action

Borno State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Saina Buba, recently withdrew his threatening remark about cutting off fingers of those who criticized government officials. At a recent youth empowerment event in Maiduguri, Buba had stated that APC supporters would be given honey while those who opposed them would face punishment.

His inflammatory comments drew criticism from civil society groups, political observers and critics, who claimed his remarks endangered public safety and violated democratic norms. Buba defended his comments at a press conference, claiming there was no opposition in Borno, so no one could accuse him of threatening opponents. The police subsequently launched an investigation into Buba's comments and two other APC leaders' inflammatory remarks about electoral processes.

After the police probe, Buba issued a formal apology, expressing regret for causing public uproar and stating his comments were not intended to harm citizens' freedom of choice and association. He emphasized he did not represent the APC or the Zulum administration, which he said upholds democratic principles and respects citizens' rights.