Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has denied giving orders to arrest protesters chanting "Tinubu Must Go" in the state. This denial comes after a statement from the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council demanded an explanation from Zulum over a viral video allegedly showing him ordering the arrest and detention of individuals expressing the slogan.
The governor's clarification was made through his spokesman, Dauda Iliya, who described the ADC allegations as "unprofessional". Iliya insisted that the party misrepresented Zulum's remarks, which were made during a media chat in Maiduguri. The media chat addressed several issues, including a recent spike in social vices and crimes threatening the state's peace and stability.
According to Iliya, Zulum emphasized that his administration would not tolerate social urchins and criminals plunging the state into violence. The governor referred to young men moving around wearing shirts emblazoned with knives and clubs, portraying violence. This was in the context of Borno State recording a rise in gangsterism, kidnapping of underage girls, and other social vices after the Boko Haram insurgency.
The state government set up an Anti-Vices security outfit to address these issues. Since its operation began, Maiduguri and its environs have become safer, with a sharp drop in social vices and criminal activity. Iliya noted that media outlets ignored ethics and professional standards by seizing part of Zulum's statement to portray him as heavy-handed.
Iliya also stated that the ADC's response to Zulum's statement showed that the party is taking responsibility for crimes committed by groups across the state. The ADC's statement appears to be self-indictment, according to Iliya, as Zulum never mentioned the #TinubuMustGo group, ADC, or any opposition group; he only spoke about security, peace, and order.
The governor's administration will not allow the state's hard-earned peace to be truncated, Iliya said. Without order and stability, no party can campaign for any election. Iliya called on critics to exercise restraint and responsibility when commenting on issues affecting the state, considering its over a decade of insurgency experience.
Iliya urged the ADC to join the call to ensure that nothing tampers with the recent peace and stability achieved under Zulum's administration. It is a record-low time to play politics on the subject of peace and security, especially in Borno, he added. The ADC's statement was made by its Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
Key points
- Zulum's administration set up an Anti-Vices security outfit to address social vices and crimes in Borno State.
- The governor never mentioned the #TinubuMustGo group or any opposition party in his media chat.
- Iliya called on critics to exercise restraint and responsibility when commenting on issues affecting Borno State.
