Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has denied ordering the arrest of people wearing “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts in Maiduguri, saying he has never directed security agencies to arrest opposition supporters or critics of his administration.
Speaking in Maiduguri on Friday, October 2, the governor said he was surprised by attempts to link the arrests to his government, maintaining that he only became aware of the incident that morning.
His response follows the controversy surrounding the arrest and prosecution of five men associated with the political slogan, which prompted Amnesty International to demand their release and accuse the authorities of criminalising peaceful dissent.
Zulum said his administration’s attention remained on restoring peace and rebuilding communities devastated by Boko Haram insurgency.
According to him, he had repeatedly exposed himself to danger to protect residents, including members of opposition parties, and ensure they could live peacefully.
The governor said only “desperate politicians” would order the arrest of opposition supporters, insisting that he did not belong to that category.
He also questioned why he would instigate arrests on political grounds when, according to him, he was not contesting any political office in the 2027 elections.
Zulum maintained that Borno had remained an All Progressives Congress state since the party came to power there, adding that improving residents’ lives and restoring the state remained his priorities.
He pointed to his administration’s investment in resettling internally displaced persons, reconstructing communities destroyed by insurgency, and providing schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure.
The governor attributed the progress recorded in the state to the dedication and commitment of his administration, saying its efforts had been directed towards helping Borno recover from years of conflict.
He accused some political actors of making false allegations against leaders as elections approached to attract attention.
“Where were they when we were struggling to see that we had restored peace, resettled IDPs, reconstructed destroyed communities and established schools and hospitals?” he asked.
Zulum said some people now criticising his government had previously commended its work but had begun portraying the administration negatively ahead of the 2027 elections.
He added that his reward for the sacrifices and resources committed to rebuilding Borno would come from God, stressing that criticism would not discourage him from continuing to serve the state until the end of his tenure.
Meanwhile, the Borno State Police Command has offered a different account of the arrests, saying the five men were apprehended over alleged possession of suspected illicit substances and conduct capable of causing public disturbance, rather than their political views.
Amnesty International has challenged the police’s explanation and maintained its demand for the men’s release. The allegations against the defendants remain matters for judicial determination.
.. **“Desperate Politicians” — Zulum Denies Ordering Arrest Of ‘Tinubu Must Go’ Supporters, Says Rebuilding Borno Remains His Priority** … NewsNGR.
