The Kebbi State Government has distanced itself from claims that thousands of people in the state are practicing homosexuality and lesbianism. The government, led by Governor Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, has called the figures “false” and “misleading,” urging the public to disregard them.
The controversy stemmed from a statement made by Dr. Nasir Kigo, the Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office of Kebbi State, during an Islamic gathering in the state. Dr. Kigo had alleged that the state had 15,979 registered homosexuals and 18,567 registered lesbians, citing a first census as evidence of the numbers. According to him, the figures had grown substantially since the initial count, with subsequent figures showing an increase in the number of registered individuals practicing homosexuality and lesbianism in the state.
The statement by Dr. Kigo, which was later circulated on social media platforms like Facebook, caused widespread alarm and confusion. The controversial figures sparked debates among residents, local stakeholders, and social media users, with many questioning the authenticity of the numbers and their implications for the state.
In a strong response, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris rejected the figures presented by Dr. Kigo. The governor issued a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, assuring the public that the government had conducted a thorough investigation and found no evidence to support the claims made by the permanent secretary.
“The information presented by Dr. Kigo is false. The Kebbi State Government has conducted a comprehensive investigation and found that there is no credible evidence supporting these figures,” the governor said. “We urge the public to disregard this baseless claim, as it lacks any merit and is not supported by any legitimate or official census.”
Governor Idris also emphasized that the government would take necessary disciplinary actions against Dr. Kigo for spreading unverified and misleading information, which he argued could potentially disrupt public harmony and cause unnecessary panic.
The allegations made by Dr. Kigo about the supposed registration of homosexuals and lesbians in the state quickly spread across social media, sparking an outcry among local residents and raising concerns about the accuracy of the data being shared. Critics questioned the source of the figures, with many expressing doubt that any official body would conduct such a census in Kebbi State.
Local residents also raised concerns about the potential impact of such misinformation on the state’s image. In a deeply conservative region like Kebbi, where Islamic teachings and cultural norms strongly influence public life, the claim about a large number of registered homosexuals and lesbians is seen as highly controversial.
“I don’t believe this claim at all,” said Aisha Mohammed, a resident of Birnin Kebbi. “Such figures cannot be true. We have never seen any such data, and I don’t think there’s any official record like that.”
Another local resident, Musa Abubakar, also expressed skepticism about the alleged statistics. “If there were such numbers, we would have heard about it from the government or other authorities. This seems like a baseless rumor that’s being used to cause trouble,” Abubakar said.
The Kebbi State Government has made it clear that it remains committed to fostering social harmony and peace among its people. Governor Idris reassured residents that his administration would continue to prioritize social justice, accountability, and transparency. He emphasized that only accurate, verified, and credible information should be shared with the public.
“We will continue to uphold the truth, and we will not allow false information to mislead our people or create unnecessary division. As a government, our responsibility is to ensure the welfare and safety of all citizens, and we will not tolerate any act that could undermine the peace of our state,” Governor Idris stated.
The governor’s comments highlight the state government’s focus on maintaining its image and ensuring that no divisive or controversial issues escalate in Kebbi. The state has historically been known for its strong adherence to Islamic values, and any claims relating to homosexuality or lesbianism are typically met with strong opposition from the community.
While the Kebbi State Government has rejected the statistics, the controversy surrounding the figures continues to provoke debate. Some residents of the state have expressed concerns about how such misinformation could affect the state’s reputation, both within Nigeria and internationally.
The debate over the figures has also sparked discussions about the broader issue of LGBTQ rights in Nigeria. Homosexuality is illegal in Nigeria, with laws that criminalize same-sex relations and the promotion of LGBTQ rights. In Kebbi State, as in many other parts of the country, any discussion of homosexuality tends to provoke strong reactions due to the prevailing cultural and religious norms.
Although the government has clarified its stance and disowned the figures, many residents are still left wondering how such a claim made its way into public discourse in the first place. There is widespread agreement that more vigilance is needed when it comes to the dissemination of information by public officials, especially in a state as conservative as Kebbi.
In light of the false claim, the Kebbi State Government has vowed to take disciplinary action against Dr. Nasir Kigo. The permanent secretary, who is responsible for handling affairs in the Cabinet Office, has come under fire for making such an unverified statement in a public setting.
The government has not yet detailed the specific actions that will be taken against Dr. Kigo, but the move signals a clear intention to hold public officials accountable for spreading misleading information.
Governor Idris has highlighted that public officials in the state must always exercise caution and verify their information before making statements that could potentially cause panic or confusion among the public. The government’s response serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible leadership and the need for public officials to be transparent and accountable to the people they serve.
