Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has ordered the immediate release of a teenager detained by the police for allegedly insulting him.
Buni’s Director-General of Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, disclosed on Tuesday in a statement in Damaturu.
The governor said he was unaware of the teenager’s arrest and detention, adding that it was unnecessary to arrest anyone for criticising or insulting him.
His statement read, “This is the price of leadership, and we are fully conscious of it; therefore, I couldn’t have ordered nor condoned the detention of anyone.
“Until someone drew my attention to it, I wasn’t aware of his arrest and detention. I have now directed his immediate release from detention.”
But Buni noted that criticisms and contributions should be constructive, advising that social media users should respect the rights of everyone, including religious and socio-cultural differences of others.