AMNESTY FAULTS SECURITY AGENCIES’ SILENCE ON BORNO COMMISSIONER’S THREAT AGAINST OPPOSITION

Amnesty International has criticised security agencies for failing to take action against the Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, over alleged threats against people who do not support the All Progressives Congress.

The human rights organisation expressed concern over a video circulating on social media in which Buba allegedly warned people who refused to support the ruling party at a campaign inauguration in Maiduguri on August 29.

Buba reportedly said that “the government is our government” and that those who followed it would enjoy “the honey.”

In a statement on Tuesday, Amnesty International described the remarks as a direct threat and accused the commissioner of posing a danger to democracy.

The organisation said it was particularly concerned that security agencies had not acted despite the availability of evidence.

“Threatening those who may not vote for APC is not and cannot in any way be figurative. It is a direct threat,” Amnesty said.

It called for Buba to be held accountable, stressing that residents of Borno State must be able to exercise their political rights freely without intimidation or threats.

Amnesty also emphasised the importance of protecting personal liberty, freedom and an open civic space ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The organisation said it would continue to investigate, document and preserve evidence of alleged incitement, threats and human rights abuses before, during and after the elections.