Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youth Empowerment and Sports, Comrade Saina Buba, has defended controversial remarks he made during a political gathering, insisting that his comments were figurative and that he has no apology to offer.
Buba came under public scrutiny after a video circulated on social media in which he was heard warning that anyone who “shows us a finger” would have the finger broken.
“Whoever shows us a finger, we will show him a finger. Whoever dares to show us a finger again, we will break his finger,” he was quoted as saying.
The commissioner was also reported to have told supporters that those who followed the All Progressives Congress (APC) would “enjoy the honey,” while those who refused to support the party would be “caned.”
The remarks generated controversy, with some interpreting them as threats against opposition supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, speaking with journalists in Maiduguri, Buba rejected the interpretation, insisting that his statement was taken out of context.
According to him, the gathering was an APC political event organised around the City Boy Movement (CBM), and his comments were specifically directed at aggrieved members of the party whom he accused of engaging in anti-party activities following the party’s primaries.
Buba explained that his reference to loyal supporters enjoying “honey” while others would be “caned” was not intended literally.
He said the “honey” represented empowerment opportunities and welfare benefits available to loyal party members, while those involved in anti-party activities would not benefit from such initiatives.
Despite the backlash, the commissioner maintained that he had no apology to offer, arguing that those present at the APC gathering understood the political context of his remarks.
“I have no apology,” he said, maintaining that the comments were intended as a political message to party members working against the APC.
He said the party had observed that some members who were dissatisfied after the primaries had allegedly begun working against its interests, making it necessary to warn them against anti-party activities.
Buba further said political activities would intensify as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, adding that opposition parties should expect stronger political attacks as parties begin mobilisation.
The commissioner also expressed confidence in the political strength of the APC in Borno State, declaring that there was virtually no opposition capable of challenging the ruling party.
He predicted that the APC would win all elective positions in the state, attributing the party’s expected success to what he described as people-oriented projects being implemented by both the Borno State Government and the Federal Government across the North-East.
The controversy surrounding Buba’s remarks comes as political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections gathers momentum in Borno State, with youth and political groups increasingly organising around the APC and other political platforms.
His comments have continued to generate debate over the language and rhetoric politicians should adopt during political mobilisation, particularly when addressing supporters and perceived opponents ahead of elections.
