Amnesty International has expressed concern that security agencies have failed to hold Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, accountable following his alleged threats to flog anyone who does not support the All Progressives Congress in the state.
The organization expressed serious worry that, despite publicly available evidence, security services had yet to take action on the problem.
Chronicle NG reports that Buba, in a video now circulating on social media, said “the government is our government,” adding that whoever followed it would enjoy “the honey.”
Buba made the statement at a campaign inauguration organized by the City Boy Movement on Saturday in Maiduguri.
Speaking on the remarks in a statement on Tuesday, Amnesty International described the commissioner as a danger to democracy who must face justice over what it described as subtle incitement.
The statement read, “It is deeply concerned that, up till now and despite publicly available evidence, security agencies have not taken any action to hold Mr.. Sainna Buba to account for his reckless and irresponsible remarks at a rally of the ruling APC in Maiduguri on August 29.
“Threatening those who may not vote for APC is not and cannot in any way be figurative. It is a direct threat. The commissioner is a danger to democracy and must face justice for the subtle incitement.”
The organization advocated that the people of Borno State’s human rights be preserved and protected.
“People must be free to vote without anything or anyone undermining their right to make political choices. In democracy, people are entitled to an open civic space, freedom,, and justice. People’s right to personal liberty is paramount,” it stated.
Amnesty International stated that it will continue to investigate, document, and preserve evidence of incitement, threats, and abuses prior to, during, and beyond the 2027 general elections.
