The Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, has threatened to harm political opponents physically and state-backed punishment if they don’t support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Buba made the threat at a campaign inauguration organized by the Tinubu City Boy Movement, campaigning for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and his anticipated 2027 re-election bid.
He told the gathering “whoever shows us a finger, we are ready to cut off his fingers. 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.”
Buba also announced that there would be political patronage and exclusion, adding that government benefits would be weaponized against non-supporters.
“The government is our government. Those who follow us will enjoy the honey; if you refuse, then you will be flogged,” he said.
Critics have condemned Buba for making such threats.
They have raised serious questions regarding political tolerance, democratic norms, and the protection of dissenting voices in Borno State.
Some critics said such aggressive rhetoric from the commissioner threatens public safety and undermines the foundational principles of multi-party democracy.
The commissioner was yet clarifying if his statements were meant to be taken literally or as aggressive political rhetoric.
Also, the State Government had not reacted to Buba’s remarks as at press time.
