Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has denied ordering the arrest of demonstrators chanting “Tinubu Must Go”, clarifying that his recent warnings were strictly directed at criminal elements threatening peace and order in the state.
The governor’s clarification followed a statement issued on Sunday by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council. Signed by its Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the ADC demanded an explanation over a viral video in which Zulum reportedly ordered the arrest of anyone expressing the slogan, noting that the clip contradicted his previous denials regarding the detention of individuals wearing “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts.
In a counter-statement released on Sunday night, the governor’s spokesman, Dauda Iliya, dismissed the ADC’s allegations as unprofessional and accused the party of misrepresenting Zulum’s remarks out of political desperation.
“We read with dismay the recent statement by the Presidential Campaign Council of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), which made impulsive remarks about the administration of Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum,” Iliya stated, describing the press release as a case of self-indictment based on an unethically reported news item.
Explaining the context of the governor’s comments during a media chat in Maiduguri, Iliya said Zulum was addressing a surge in gangsterism, underage kidnappings, phone snatching, and illegal abortions that emerged in the wake of the Boko Haram insurgency. He highlighted that the state had established a specialized anti-vices security outfit to restore safety across Maiduguri and surrounding areas.
“As any responsible Chief Executive would, he emphasised that his administration would not stand by while social urchins and criminals plunge the state into violence,” Iliya noted, pointing out that the governor specifically referenced young men wearing apparel decorated with weapons to glorify violence.
Reiterating that Zulum made no mention of opposition parties or political movements during his address, the spokesman asserted that the ADC’s defensive reaction implied an association with criminal groups in the state. “Governor Zulum never mentioned the #TinubuMustGo group, ADC, or any opposition group; he spoke only about security, peace, and order,” the statement read, adding that the administration would firmly safeguard the state’s hard-won stability.
Iliya warned against politicising public safety, stating, “Considering where Borno has come from, the least one would expect from the ADC is to join the call to ensure that nothing tampers with the recent peace and stability achieved under the administration of Gov. Zulum.”