The Commissioner, Ministry of Poverty Alleviation, Youths and Sports, Borno State, Hon. Saina Buba, has apologised to members of the public, especially the opposition, over his statement made at the City Boy Movement engagement in Maiduguri.
Buba had earlier sparked public outcry with remarks in which he threatened to break the fingers of anyone who showed the APC a finger, although he later denied that the statement was directed at the opposition.
Briefing journalists at his office in Maiduguri on Wednesday, the commissioner said his comment during the empowerment programme organised by the City Boy Movement had generated considerable concern within the public space.
He explained that the remark was not intended to harm anyone or violate the fundamental rights of the people of Borno State to freedom of choice and association as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
Buba said he had earlier clarified that the comment was not intended to be taken literally but decided to formally retract it and apologise to the people of Borno State and beyond in view of the concerns it continued to generate.
He said the comment did not represent the ideals of the All Progressives Congress, APC, or the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
The commissioner said the Zulum administration did not undermine the rights of citizens but continued to uphold and respect every segment of society, particularly youths who had remained supporters of the party and the administration.
Buba added that Governor Zulum and the APC had consistently demonstrated what he described as a true democratic spirit over the past seven years and would maintain the commitment until the end of the governor’s tenure.
