Borno State Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Saina Buba, has withdrawn his controversial remarks that sparked public outrage and drew the attention of the Nigeria Police Force.
Buba also apologised to residents of the state, saying his comments at an empowerment programme in Maiduguri were not intended to threaten their rights or influence their political choices.
The commissioner came under criticism after making remarks interpreted as threats against people who refused to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) during a City Boy Movement empowerment programme earlier in the week.
He was reported to have said APC supporters would be rewarded with “honey”, while those who opposed the party would be subjected to physical punishment. He also reportedly threatened to break the finger of anyone who pointed at government officials.
The comments triggered condemnation from civil society organisations and political observers, who argued that the remarks were incompatible with democratic values and could intimidate citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
Buba initially defended the comments during a subsequent press briefing, insisting that he had nothing to apologise for and arguing that there was no opposition in Borno State.
The controversy, however, persisted.
On Tuesday, the police announced that it had commenced an investigation into what it described as inciting comments by Buba and two other APC figures.
Police spokesman Anietie Iniedu, speaking at a joint security briefing with Defence Correspondents in Abuja, said incitement, particularly when linked to the electoral process, constituted a criminal offence.
He said the police had already questioned a senator from Osun State over similar remarks and would take appropriate action on other cases under investigation.
Hours after the police statement, Buba changed his position, formally retracting his earlier remarks and apologising to Borno residents and others who may have been offended.
“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 said.
Buba maintained that the remark was not intended to infringe on citizens’ freedom of choice or association as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
He said he had initially explained that the comment was not meant to be interpreted literally but acknowledged that the explanation 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,” he said.
The commissioner also distanced the remarks from the APC and the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
He said neither the ruling party nor the state government supported actions that undermined citizens’ rights.
According to Buba, the Zulum administration had maintained a democratic approach throughout its tenure and continued to respect all sections of the population, particularly young people.
He pledged that his controversial comments should not be regarded as a reflection of the government’s position or its commitment to democratic principles.
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