Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has denied allegations that he directed security agencies to arrest members of opposition parties or individuals expressing criticism of his administration.
Speaking in Maiduguri on Friday, the Governor expressed shock at reports linking his office to the recent detention of several individuals. The controversy follows claims that persons were apprehended for wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase “Tinubu Must Go,” a slogan used by protesters to voice dissent against the current federal administration.
Zulum maintained that he had no involvement in the decision to detain these individuals, asserting that his administration does not seek to suppress political opposition. The Governor noted that the attempts to connect his name to the arrests were unfounded and intended to cause political friction.
The Governor clarified his position regarding the arrest of opposition supporters, stating that he was surprised to hear his name being used to justify the crackdown on those wearing protest attire. He emphasised that his focus remains on the governance and reconstruction of Borno State rather than political policing.
Security and political dissent in Borno
The incident has brought the issue of freedom of expression to the forefront in Borno State. The “Tinubu Must Go” sentiment has emerged in various parts of Nigeria, reflecting growing dissatisfaction among certain groups regarding national economic policies and security concerns under the presidency of Bola Tinubu.
In Borno, a state heavily impacted by the long-running insurgency, the management of political dissent is a sensitive matter. While the state government maintains strict security protocols to combat terrorism, critics often monitor the boundaries between counter-insurgency efforts and the protection of civil liberties for political actors.
The allegations raise questions regarding the autonomy of security agencies operating within the state. It has not been clarified whether the arrests were carried out by the Nigeria Police Force, which falls under federal control, or by other state-based security apparatuses. This distinction is critical in determining where legal responsibility for the detentions lies.
The Borno State government has not yet provided a formal response regarding the specific legal grounds for the detentions or the identities of those held. Additionally, security agencies involved have not responded to requests for comment concerning the duration of the detention or the specific charges brought against the individuals involved.
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