Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has come under renewed scrutiny following the circulation of a video in which he allegedly orders the arrest and detention of anyone caught expressing the slogan “Tinubu Must Go.”
In the viral footage, Zulum is heard speaking in Hausa and reportedly directing security operatives to arrest and detain individuals found expressing opposition to President Bola Tinubu. The video has raised concerns about the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights and the freedom to express political opinions.
The development is particularly significant because the governor recently denied ordering the arrest of individuals wearing “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts.
The emergence of the footage has therefore prompted calls for Zulum to clarify the circumstances surrounding the video and reconcile its contents with his earlier denial.
Those raising concerns argue that Nigerians deserve a clear explanation from the governor, particularly on whether individuals in Borno State risk arrest or detention for peacefully expressing opposition to the President.
They maintain that peaceful political expression is a fundamental democratic right and that no governor has the authority to criminalise dissent merely because it challenges the President or the government in power.
According to this position, wearing a T-shirt bearing the words “Tinubu Must Go,” displaying a political slogan or calling for a president to leave office does not, in itself, constitute a criminal offence.
The concerns have also drawn attention to the distinction between peaceful political dissent and conduct that may independently violate the law. While security agencies have a responsibility to maintain public order, critics insist that such responsibility must not be used to suppress opposition or intimidate citizens because of their political views.
They argue that if the authorities have credible evidence that any individual has committed a separate criminal offence, the appropriate course is to present the evidence before a competent court and allow due process to take its course.
The critics further warn against the use of unrelated allegations as a pretext for targeting individuals whose only apparent offence is expressing opposition to the President.
Borno State, they maintain, must not become an environment where citizens are threatened with arrest or detention for peacefully disagreeing with the government.
Consequently, Governor Zulum has been urged to clarify whether he issued the directive depicted in the circulating footage, explain its context and withdraw any instruction that could lead to the arrest of individuals solely for expressing the slogan “Tinubu Must Go.”
He has also been called upon to guarantee that residents can exercise their political rights without fear of intimidation or unlawful detention.
The controversy comes amid broader debates about freedom of expression, political opposition and the responsibility of public officials to uphold constitutional rights in Nigeria’s democratic system.
Those criticising the alleged directive argue that governments should respond to public dissatisfaction through accountability, improved governance and engagement with citizens rather than threats of arrest.
They maintain that a government confident in its performance should be prepared to answer criticism with evidence and results, rather than actions that could be interpreted as an attempt to silence dissent.
As the video continues to circulate, attention is likely to remain on the Borno State Government for an explanation of the footage and clarification of its position on the right of citizens to peacefully oppose President Tinubu.
