Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has clarified that his administration did not order the arrest of five men who were detained in Maiduguri for wearing T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.” Zulum made the statement on Friday in Maiduguri, reacting to reports linking his government to the arrests. The governor emphasized that he was shocked to learn that his administration was being linked to the arrests, stressing that he neither ordered nor authorized the detention of anyone, including opposition politicians and critics of his administration.
The governor highlighted that his focus has been on restoring peace and rebuilding Borno State after years of Boko Haram insurgency, rather than targeting political opponents. Zulum pointed out that he had repeatedly put himself in harm's way to protect residents of the state, including supporters of opposition parties, from Boko Haram attacks. According to him, only "desperate politicians" would order the arrest of opposition supporters for political reasons, and he insisted that he was not one of such politicians.
Zulum questioned the rationale behind arresting anyone for political reasons, given that Borno State has remained a stronghold of the All Progressives Congress for over a decade. He emphasized that his priority is to restore the state after years of insurgency and improve the living conditions of its people. The governor's administration has invested heavily in restoring peace, resettling internally displaced persons, rebuilding communities destroyed by Boko Haram, and providing essential infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.
The governor's comments come days after the Borno State Police Command arrested and arraigned five men in Maiduguri over T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.” The development attracted reactions from various quarters, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who demanded the immediate release of the five defendants. Atiku questioned how wearing a political slogan could constitute an offense in a democracy, recalling that President Bola Tinubu, while in opposition, had protested against policies of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Atiku Abubakar argued that Nigerians are now dealing with increased costs of fuel, food, transportation, and electricity under the Tinubu administration. He added that "Tinubu opposed Jonathan's fuel policy in the streets. Nigerians are living with the consequences of Tinubu's fuel policy in their homes." The former vice president maintained that "Tinubu Must Go" is a political demand and not a criminal act, calling on the authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the five detainees and allow them access to their families and lawyers.
The five men, who were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri, are Baba Aji Gremami, 44; Mustapha Abba Yemen, 28; Abbacha Mohammed Ali, 32; Adam Umar Gubio, 21; and Abdulhamid Mohammed, 21. They were charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace, and thuggery under Sections 60, 78, 79, and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code. Their counsel filed an application seeking bail for the defendants, and the presiding magistrate adjourned the case until October 6, 2026, for ruling on the bail application.
Zulum suggested that some accusations against political leaders are being made as the 2027 general elections approach, with some individuals allegedly seeking political attention by portraying governments negatively. He added that his reward for the sacrifices and resources committed to rebuilding Borno would come from God, stressing that criticism would not stop him from continuing his work until the end of his tenure. The governor's stance has been seen as a reassurance to critics and supporters alike that his administration remains committed to its goals.
Key points
- - Gov. Zulum denies ordering the arrest of five men for wearing 'Tinubu Must Go' T-shirts. - The governor emphasizes his focus on rebuilding Borno State after years of insurgency. - Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar demands the immediate release of the five defendants.
