Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, has apologised and formally retracted comments in which he threatened to “flog” those who refuse to support the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a widely circulated video from an empowerment programme organised by the City Boy Movement in Maiduguri, Buba had declared: “The government is our government. Those who follow us will enjoy the honey; if you refuse, then you will be flogged.”
He also 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.”
Addressing journalists in Maiduguri on Wednesday, Buba said the remark was never intended to harm anyone or violate citizens’ fundamental rights to freedom of choice and association as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
“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,” he stated.
“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.”While noting that he had earlier clarified the comment was not meant to be taken literally, Buba said the continuing public concern prompted him to issue a formal retraction and apology.
“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 said.
He emphasised that the comment does not represent the ideals of the APC or the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, stressing that the government respects the rights of all citizens, particularly the youth.
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