Kebbi Suspends Perm Sec For Claiming State Has Highest Number Of Gays, Lesbians In Nigeria

The Kebbi State Government has suspended Nasiru Abubakar Kigo, a Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office, following his claim that Kebbi and Sokoto states have the highest number of registered gays and lesbians in the country.

Governor Nasir Idris approved the indefinite suspension, which was confirmed on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris.

Kigo, who is also known as an Islamic cleric, made the controversial statement during a Ramadan seminar at Adamu Aliero Housing Estate in Birnin Kebbi.

In a letter issued by the State Head of Service, Malami Shekare, the government cited misconduct and reputational damage as reasons for the suspension.

The letter states, “According to civil service rules you are to proceed on suspension pending the outcome of investigation on your claims of registered homosexuals and lesbians in Kebbi State, your statement constitute social misconduct and a dent on a morally decent state.”

In response to the backlash, the Kebbi State Government released an official statement disowning Kigo’s comments, describing them as “fictitious and baseless.”