The Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youths and Sports, Hon. Saina Buba, has apologised to members of the public, particularly opposition supporters, over a controversial remark he made during an engagement organised by the City Boy Movement in Maiduguri.
Buba had sparked public criticism while delivering his remarks at the event, where he said, “Whoever shows us a finger, we will show him a finger… Whoever dares to show us a finger again, we will break his finger.”
The commissioner later clarified that the statement was not directed at the opposition and was not intended to be interpreted literally.
However, speaking with journalists at his office in Maiduguri on Wednesday, Buba formally withdrew the statement and apologised for any offence it may have caused.
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.”
Buba also stressed that the remark did not represent the position of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or the administration of Governor Babagana Umara 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,” he said.
According to him, the state government remains committed to protecting the rights of residents and promoting democratic values.
“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,” Buba added.
He further said Governor Zulum and the APC had demonstrated commitment to democratic principles since the administration came into office.
“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,” the commissioner stated.
