The Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youth Empowerment and Sports, Saina Buba, has denied threatening to punish people who oppose the All Progressives Congress.
Buba made the clarification after a video of his controversial remarks circulated on social media. In the video, he appeared to warn people against pointing fingers at members of his political group.
“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,” he said.
However, the commissioner explained that the statement was not a threat against opposition members. Rather, he said he directed the comment at APC members involved in anti-party activities.
Borno commissioner explains controversial remark
Speaking to journalists in Maiduguri, Buba said the gathering was strictly an APC event. He explained that the City Boy Movement organised the meeting to mobilise and empower APC loyalists across the North-East.
According to him, the group became concerned after some APC members began working against the party following its primaries.
He said the controversial remark was therefore intended as a warning to those members.
“We in the APC observed that immediately after the party’s primaries, some aggrieved members had started playing anti-party politics, and we felt it was necessary to call them to order by telling them: ‘Those who vote for APC candidates will be fed with honey, while those who don’t will be caned.’”
Buba says comment was figurative
Buba further explained that his reference to being “caned” was not meant literally. Instead, he said it referred to the benefits and empowerment programmes available to loyal APC members.
“Our empowerment and other welfare packages will be limited to loyalists, and nothing for those who engage in anti-party activities,” he explained.
The commissioner also said he had no reason to apologise for the statement. According to him, he made the comment while addressing people within the same political organisation.
Meanwhile, Buba expressed confidence that the APC would perform strongly in Borno during the 2027 elections.
He said the party remained dominant in the state because of projects carried out by the state and Federal Government.
“Fortunately, there is no opposition in Borno, as our party will clinch all elective positions in view of the numerous people-oriented projects executed by the state and Federal Government in the North-East.”
The controversy comes as political parties and support groups intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
