Borno State Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Saina Buba, has withdrawn his controversial threat to break the fingers of anyone who points at government officials, following widespread condemnation of the remark.
Buba also apologised to the people of the state after the police declared that it had commenced an investigation into what it described as inciting comments capable of undermining the electoral process.
The commissioner had made the controversial remarks while speaking at an empowerment programme organised by the City Boy Movement in Maiduguri, where he warned against opposing the ruling All Progressives Congress.
He was also reported to have said APC supporters would be rewarded, while those who refused to back the party could be subjected to physical punishment.
The comments triggered criticism from civil society organisations, political observers and other Nigerians, who accused the commissioner of making statements capable of intimidating citizens and undermining democratic freedoms.
Despite the backlash, Buba had initially maintained that he had no apology to offer, arguing that there was no opposition in Borno State and that his remarks should not be interpreted as a threat against political opponents.
However, the police subsequently announced that it was investigating the comments made by Buba and two other APC chieftains.
Speaking at a joint security briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Force spokesman, Anietie Iniedu, said inciting members of the public, particularly in connection with elections, was a criminal offence.
He said, “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.”
Following the police statement, Buba issued a fresh statement in which he expressed regret over the controversy and formally withdrew his earlier remarks.
He said, “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.”
The commissioner explained that although he had earlier clarified that the comment was not intended to be taken literally, he decided to retract it because of the concerns it continued to generate.
He added, “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 further distanced his remarks from the APC and the administration of Governor Babagana Zulum, saying they did not reflect the principles of either the party or the state government.
According to him, the Zulum administration respects the rights of citizens and remains committed to democratic principles, while also recognising the contributions of youths to the government and the APC.
He said the governor and the APC had demonstrated a commitment to democracy during the past seven years and that such commitment would remain unchanged until the end of the administration’s tenure.