Human rights organisation Amnesty International has expressed concern over security agencies’ failure to hold the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, accountable after his alleged threats to flog anyone who does not support the All Progressives Congress in the state.
The organisation said it was deeply concerning that, despite publicly available evidence, security agencies had yet to take action over the matter.
The Newsmen had earlier reported 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 remarks at a campaign inauguration organised by the City Boy Movement on Saturday in Maiduguri.
Reacting to 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 organisation insisted that the human rights of the people of Borno State must be upheld 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.
The organisation added that Amnesty International would continue to investigate, document and preserve evidence of incitement, threats and abuses before, during and after the 2027 general elections.