Kebbi Governor Suspends Official Over Claims of High Gay, Lesbian Population in Northern States
The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has indefinitely suspended a senior government official, Nasiru Abubakar Kigo, for claiming that Kebbi and Sokoto states have the highest numbers of registered gays and lesbians.
This decision was announced by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, on Friday.
Kigo, a permanent secretary and Islamic cleric, made the remarks during a Ramadan seminar, sparking controversy.
The Kebbi State Head of Service, Malami Shekare, stated that Kigo’s comments were deemed “misleading and unacceptable in a morally decent society” and constituted “social misconduct” that tarnished the state’s reputation.
The state government has distanced itself from Kigo’s claims, labeling them “fictitious and baseless.” An investigation is currently underway, and Kigo remains suspended pending its outcome.
Nigeria has strict laws regarding same-sex relationships, with northern states implementing Sharia law that criminalizes homosexuality. This context adds complexity to Kigo’s claims and the subsequent suspension.
