I Won’t Apologise’ – APC Commissioner Stands Firm on ‘Cut Fingers’ Remark

Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youth Empowerment and Sports, Saina Buba, has defended his controversial remarks made during the inauguration of a campaign event organised by the City Boy Movement, insisting that he has no reason to apologise.

Buba had earlier warned that individuals who refused to support the administration of Governor Babagana Zulum would face consequences, using the expression that their fingers would be cut off.

However, during a press briefing in Maiduguri on Monday, the commissioner clarified that the statement was not directed at opposition political parties, as widely interpreted.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Buba said his comments were specifically directed at APC members from the North-East who attended the event. He explained that the gathering was organised for members of the ruling party and was focused on economic empowerment, skills development, self-reliance and improved livelihoods.

The commissioner said some APC members who became dissatisfied after the party’s primaries had allegedly begun engaging in activities he described as anti-party politics. He maintained that his remarks were intended as a warning to such members to remain loyal to the party.

Buba explained that the reference to cutting fingers was figurative, saying it was meant to communicate that party loyalists would have access to empowerment and welfare initiatives, while those involved in anti-party activities would not benefit from such programmes.

He rejected calls for an apology, maintaining that the statement was made in the context of a gathering of people who shared the same political affiliation and had committed themselves to the ideals of the APC.

The commissioner also predicted that opposition parties would intensify their criticism as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections increase.

Buba further declared that the APC faces no significant opposition in Borno State and expressed confidence that the party would secure victory in all elective positions, citing what he described as people-oriented projects carried out by the state and federal governments.

His comments have continued to attract attention as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.