When political language crosses the line — or does it?
If you thought Nigerian politics could not get more dramatic, a commissioner from Borno State is here to prove you wrong. Saina Buba, the Borno State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Youth Empowerment and Sports, has found himself in hot water after making a shocking remark about “cutting off” the fingers of those who refuse to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Now, he wants us all to calm down — because, according to him, it was figurative.
What Did He Actually Say?
The commissioner reportedly made the inflammatory statement in what appeared to be a show of loyalty to the ruling party. His words — threatening to cut off the fingers of critics or non-APC voters — quickly spread across social media and drew widespread condemnation from Nigerians who were understandably alarmed.
In Nigeria, where voter intimidation and electoral violence remain serious concerns, remarks like this are never taken lightly. And rightly so.
“I Was Speaking Figuratively” — Really?
After the backlash began to pour in like harmattan dust, Buba moved swiftly to do damage control, insisting that his statement was never meant to be taken literally. According to him, it was simply a figure of speech — the kind of colourful language politicians sometimes use to express passion or emphasis.
But many Nigerians are not buying it.
As the saying goes, “Mouth wey talk am, na the same mouth go deny am.” When a person in a position of authority — a government commissioner, no less — makes statements that sound like threats against ordinary citizens, “I was joking” or “it was figurative” simply does not cut it.
Why This Matters
Nigeria is a country still working hard to build strong democratic institutions. Free and fair elections depend on an environment where citizens can exercise their civic rights without fear. When government officials — even if speaking loosely — make statements that sound like threats, it sends a dangerous message to ordinary voters, especially in states where political tensions already run high.
Borno State, in the northeast, has faced more than its fair share of hardship. The people there deserve leaders who inspire confidence and safety, not statements that leave them wondering whether their vote — or their fingers — are safe.
The Bigger Conversation
This incident is a reminder that words matter in leadership. Whether on a podium, in a town hall, or on social media, Nigerian public officials must be more deliberate about the language they use. Accountability does not begin only at the ballot box — it begins every time a leader opens their mouth.
Nigerians are watching. And increasingly, they are speaking up.
What do you think? Was the commissioner’s explanation convincing, or is this another case of a politician trying to wriggle out of accountability? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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