Borno Commissioner Sparks Outrage with 'Honey or Flogging' Threat to Opponents

Sainna Buba, who serves as Borno State's Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, is currently facing significant backlash for statements where he warned political rivals of repercussions should they decline allegiance to the governing All Progressives Congress (APC). These controversial remarks were delivered by Buba, a known associate of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, during the launch of a campaign organised by the Tinubu City Boy Movement. This movement functions as a political advocacy and grassroots mobilisation group, committed to advancing President Bola Tinubu's government agenda and supporting his re-election bid. The "City Boy" epithet is a widely recognised political nickname for Tinubu, originating from his tenure as the former Governor of Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub.

During his address at the gathering, the commissioner issued a stark warning: “Whoever shows us a finger, we are ready to cut off his fingers.” He continued to caution those who might oppose the administration, stating: “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. The government is our government. Those who follow us will enjoy the honey; if you refuse, then you will be flogged.”

These remarks have ignited apprehension regarding the rhetoric employed by an active government functionary, especially considering ongoing claims of harassment, violations of human rights, and the alleged deployment of state apparatus against young individuals within Borno State. Furthermore, reports suggest some youths faced intimidation and extended periods of detention via the legal system in Tandari. There are additional assertions that executive authority was exercised against young people, with some reportedly seeking asylum in Algeria after fleeing the state. While these accusations lack independent verification and necessitate thorough investigation by appropriate bodies, Commissioner Buba's statements have reignited scrutiny over how political disagreement and opposition are handled in Borno State.

Observers contend that such threats, particularly from a public servant, to "break" the fingers of those who challenge or disagree with the government fosters a climate of fear and potentially eroding the constitutional entitlements of citizens. Critics further suggest that these comments provoke wider discussions on whether political allegiance is becoming a prerequisite for citizens to exercise their rights, and if dissent against incumbent authorities is being criminalised. Recent Nigerian elections have frequently been marred by electoral violence, incendiary speeches, and significant security risks.

An earlier, widely reported controversy involving Senator Francis Fadahunsi in Osun State serves as a prominent illustration of the anxieties surrounding aggressive language during electioneering. Ahead of the Osun State Governorship Election, Senator Fadahunsi, an APC legislator representing Osun East, found himself at the centre of a storm when a video surfaced. In the footage, he seemingly directed APC supporters to "kill" members of the opposing Accord Party during a rally in Ilesa. He was also reported to have referenced the turbulent political unrest of 1983 in the erstwhile Western Region, which included the arson attack on an opposition candidate's residence.

These remarks provoked extensive public condemnation and led to the Osun State Police Command inviting the senator for an interview. A letter, endorsed by Samuel Erale, the Commissioner of Police assigned to election duties, characterised the senator's declarations as “threatening, inciting, and intimidating in nature.” Senator Fadahunsi complied with the summons, presenting himself at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo. He disavowed any intention to incite physical harm, asserting that his statements were intentionally misrepresented and their original meaning altered due to his use of the Yoruba language. He insisted that his instruction for supporters to “kill Accord” was a metaphorical call to defeat the party electorally, rather than a literal command for physical assault against its members.

Notwithstanding the public outcry and police interaction, no formal prosecution or disciplinary measures were reported against the senator beyond his initial questioning. Civil society groups, notably ActionAid Nigeria, later denounced what they termed the increasing acceptance of impunity linked to provocative electoral speech. The Fadahunsi incident is emblematic of a wider trend of politically charged threats and incendiary declarations that frequently occur during Nigerian elections, often with minimal accountability for the individuals involved.