Borno Commissioner Apologizes for Threatening Remarks Against Political Opponents

Borno State Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Saina Buba, has formally retracted and apologized for remarks widely interpreted as threats against political opponents ahead of the 2027 elections. The apology, delivered at a news conference in Maiduguri on September 1, 2026, followed days of public outcry and criticism from civil society groups. The controversy stems from comments Buba made during a campaign inauguration event organized by the City Boy Movement, a political support group, in Maiduguri on August 29, 2026. In a video that circulated widely online, the commissioner was heard speaking in Hausa, stating, "Whoever shows us a finger, we are ready to cut off his fingers." He added that those who follow the government would "enjoy the honey," while those who refused would be "flogged." Initially, Buba defended the statement, telling journalists on August 31 that his words were "figurative" and directed solely at disgruntled members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) engaging in "antiparty activities," not at opposition parties. He claimed the gathering was an internal party affair and maintained he had no apology to offer at that time.