The Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youths and Sports, Saina Buba, has apologised to members of the public, particularly opposition supporters, over a controversial statement he made during an engagement organised by the City Boy Movement in Maiduguri.
Buba had sparked public criticism after telling participants at the event, “Whoever shows us a finger, we will show him a finger… Whoever dares to show us a finger again, we will break his finger.”
Although the commissioner had earlier denied that the remark was directed at the opposition or intended literally, he formally retracted the statement on Wednesday.
Speaking with journalists at his office in Maiduguri, Buba said the comment had generated significant concern in the public space.
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.
“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, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“I had earlier provided clarification that the comment was not intended to be taken in its literal sense.
“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.”
The commissioner further stressed that his statement did not represent the position of the All Progressives Congress or the administration of Governor Babagana Zulum.
“Let me state in categorical terms that my comment does not in any way represent the ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the administration of His Excellency, Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
“This administration does not in any way undermine the rights of our citizenry. Rather, the party and the administration continue to uphold and respect every segment of our society, particularly our youth, who have remained steadfast supporters of both the party and the Zulum administration.
“Governor Zulum and the APC have consistently demonstrated a true democratic spirit over the past seven years, and this commitment will remain unwavering to the very end of his tenure,” Buba stated.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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