BORNO State Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Saina Buba, has retracted his threat to cut off the fingers of residents who refused to support his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Buba, in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 2, apologised to the people of Borno State and others who might have been offended by the comment, saying it was not intended to violate their constitutional rights.
He said although he had earlier clarified that the remark was not meant to be taken literally, he decided to formally withdraw it because of the concerns it 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 comment did not represent the ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the administration of Governor Babagana Zulum.
The ICIR reports that the retraction followed a police investigation into the threat and its condemnation by Nigerians and local and international organisations, including Amnesty International.
The police, who are investigating Buba and two other politicians over similar threats, said the investigation followed comments considered capable of inciting the public.
At a joint security briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, September 1, the Force spokesperson Anietie Iniedu said the police were investigating Buba, the senator representing Osun East, Francis Fadahunsi, and Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Shekwolo.
“The law is very clear when it comes to inciting. It is criminal to incite members of the public, especially as you comment on the electoral process,” Iniedu said.
The police investigation followed a viral video in which Buba, while speaking at an empowerment programme organised by the City Boy Movement in Maiduguri, warned critics of the Borno government against opposing the administration.
“Whoever shows us a finger, we are ready to cut off his fingers.”
He reportedly added that anyone who dared to “show us a finger” again would have the finger broken.
The commissioner also said those who supported the government would “enjoy the honey”, while those who opposed it would be “flogged”.
His comments drew criticism from civil society groups and political observers, who said the remarks were inappropriate for a serving public official and could undermine political participation and freedom of expression.
The commissioner initially defended the remark at a press briefing, saying he had no apology because there was no opposition in Borno State. He also argued that he could not fairly be accused of threatening opponents.
The police subsequently said its investigation into the comments by Buba and other political actors was ongoing and that its findings would be made public.
Mustapha Usman is an investigative journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: musman@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M