By Olorunda Blessing, IT Student (Lagos State Polytechnic)
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has instructed the state Hisbah Board to crack down on groups promoting LGBTQ rights, citing breaches of moral standards and violations of Shari’ah law.
This directive follows rising tensions over activities allegedly promoting same-sex marriage in the state.
Commissioner for Information, Baba Dantiye, stated that the government will not accept any promotion of LGBTQ activities, as it contravenes the norms and values of the people of Kano. He highlighted that 98% of Kano residents are Muslims, and their religion opposes such immorality.
In response to citizens’ concerns about groups promoting LGBTQ activities, the government has directed Hisbah to investigate and take appropriate action. Legal measures will be pursued as necessary, with ongoing consultations with religious leaders to curb these activities.
The NGO in question, WISE (Women Initiative for Sustainable Empowerment and Equality), allegedly advocates for lesbian, bisexual, and queer rights and is a successor to Women Action for Gender Equality.
The Kano State Government’s firm stance against LGBTQ rights reflects its commitment to religious and cultural norms, with the crackdown seen as a measure to maintain the state’s moral standards and uphold Shari’ah law.
