Borno Commissioner Apologizes After Threatening to “Flog” Political Opposition

Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, has issued a public apology and formally retracted controversial statements threatening opposition members who refuse to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The retraction follows widespread outrage generated by a viral video clip showing the commissioner issuing open political threats during a public gathering in Maiduguri.

In the recorded footage, Buba aggressively warned political opponents against challenging the ruling party, declaring that state resources would only benefit APC loyalists.

“The government is our government. Those who follow us will enjoy the honey; if you refuse, then you will be flogged,” Buba boasted in the video, adding, “Whoever dares to show us a finger again, we will break his finger.”

Facing severe backlash over the inflammatory remarks, the commissioner convened a press conference in Maiduguri on Wednesday to walk back his threats and appease the public.

Addressing journalists, Buba claimed his comments were misunderstood and maintained that he respects the constitutional right of all citizens to freely choose their political affiliations without fear of political violence.