Borno State Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Saina Buba, has formally withdrawn his controversial remarks threatening physical punishment against political opponents, hours after the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that it had opened an investigation into allegedly inciting comments linked to him and other political figures.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
Buba had attracted widespread criticism after remarks attributed to him during the City Boy Movement Empowerment Programme in Maiduguri, where he reportedly threatened that anyone who pointed a finger at government officials would have the finger cut off.
He was also reported to have said that citizens who supported the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, would be “fed with honey,” while those who refused to support the party could face punishment, including caning.
The comments triggered strong reactions from civil society groups, political observers and members of the public, who argued that such rhetoric from a serving government official could threaten public safety, intimidate political opponents and undermine the freedom of citizens to make political choices.
The controversy intensified after Buba initially defended himself at a press briefing, insisting that he had no reason to apologise and arguing that there was effectively no opposition in Borno State.
That position drew further criticism, with some commentators accusing him of failing to appreciate the seriousness of the remarks.
The matter subsequently attracted the attention of the police high command.
Speaking at a joint security briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Force spokesman Anietie Iniedu said the police had commenced investigations into alleged inciting comments made by Buba and two other APC figures.
According to Iniedu, inciting members of the public, particularly in relation to the electoral process, could amount to a criminal offence.
“On the issue of the Senator in Osun State, the Council Chairman in FCT and the Borno Commissioner’s inciting comments, I was part of the team that questioned the distinguished Senator in Osun State,” he said.
“The law is very clear when it comes to inciting. It is criminal to incite members of the public, especially as you comment on the electoral process.”
Hours after the police statement, Buba issued a fresh statement in which he expressed regret over the controversy and formally withdrew his earlier remarks.
“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,” he said.
The commissioner maintained that his comment was not intended to threaten anyone or interfere with the constitutional rights of citizens.
“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),” Buba said.
He acknowledged that he had earlier attempted to explain that the statement was not meant literally but said the continuing public concern had made a formal retraction necessary.
“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,” he said.
Buba also distanced the controversial remarks from the APC and the administration of Borno State Governor, Professor 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 and the administration of His Excellency, Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum,” he said.
He maintained that the Zulum administration respected the rights of citizens and did not support conduct capable of undermining freedom of choice or association.
“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,” he stated.
The commissioner further praised Zulum and the APC for what he described as their democratic conduct over the past seven years, insisting that the administration would continue to uphold those principles until the end of its tenure.
“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 said.
His retraction came after days of mounting criticism and shortly after the police publicly confirmed that the remarks were being examined as part of an investigation into alleged inciting political comments.
The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion.
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
_______________________________________________________________________
“Order Justice Omolaye-Ajileye’s Electronic Evidence Books Now” — Essential Guides On Evidence Act, Case Law And Digital Proof
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
