ZULUM: I NEVER ORDERED ARREST OF ‘TINUBU MUST GO’ SUPPORTERS

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By: Fasasi Hammad

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has denied ordering the arrest of protesters displaying the “Tinubu Must Go” slogan, saying his warning was directed at criminals and individuals whose activities threaten peace and stability in the state.

Zulum’s clarification followed a statement by the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, which demanded an explanation over a viral video allegedly showing the governor directing security agencies to arrest and detain anyone chanting “Tinubu Must Go.”

The campaign council, through its Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, also asked Zulum to reconcile the alleged remarks with his earlier denial that he ordered the arrest of people wearing “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts.

Responding through his spokesman, Dauda Iliya, the governor described the ADC’s allegations as “unprofessional” and accused the campaign council of misrepresenting his remarks.

Iliya said Zulum made the comments during a media engagement with journalists in Maiduguri while addressing a recent rise in social vices and criminal activities threatening peace and security in the state.

According to him, the governor was referring to individuals involved in criminal activities and young men displaying images of weapons such as knives and clubs on their clothing.

He explained that Borno experienced increased gangsterism, kidnapping of underage girls, illegal abortions, phone snatching and other social vices following years of Boko Haram insurgency.

Iliya said the state government subsequently established an anti-vices security outfit to tackle the growing threats, adding that the initiative had contributed to improved security in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.

He accused some media organisations of taking the governor’s comments out of context to portray him as threatening opposition politicians.

The governor’s spokesman also said Zulum did not mention the “Tinubu Must Go” group, the ADC or any opposition organisation during the media engagement.

He maintained that the administration’s position was focused on preserving peace, security and public order in Borno, arguing that political activities could only thrive in a stable environment.

Iliya urged political parties and critics to exercise restraint when commenting on security-related issues, particularly given Borno’s history of more than a decade of insurgency.

He stressed that political differences should not be allowed to undermine the relative peace and stability achieved in the state.