Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has ordered the release of 16-year-old Umar Garba who ‘insulted’ him on social media.
The move is coming ten days after Umar’s arrest by police authorities in the state.
In a press statement on Tuesday, Mamman Mohammed, the Director General of Press and Media Affairs to Governor Buni indicated that his principal was unaware of the arrest and detention, saying it was grossly unnecessary to arrest anyone for insulting or criticizing him.
“This is the price of leadership and we are fully conscious of it, therefore, l couldn’t have ordered nor condoned the detention of anyone.
“Until someone drew my attention to it, l wasn’t aware of his arrest and detention, l have now directed his immediate release from detention,” Governor Buni was quoted as saying.
The statement further explains, although the Buni administration runs an open government, contributions and criticisms should be constructive and meaningful.
He reminded social media users to be responsive and responsible to respect the rights of everyone, political party, religious and socio-cultural differences most especially as the political campaigns are ongoing.