EXCLUSIVE: LGBT Group Leaves Kano After Hisbah Crackdown Order
By Salisu Hamisu Ali
The NGO promoting LGBT rights in Kano, WISE Nigeria Initiative, has abruptly left the state following Governor Yusuf’s order to crack down on their activities.
The group has also closed their social media handles and websites in response to public outrage.
According to a source close to the group who pleaded anonymity, the members left Kano immediately after the government responded to the issue.
“Yes, they left Kano following the governor’s directive and have even closed their sites,” the source confirmed.
The source further confided to PRIME TIME NEWS that the group feared exposure as public outrage against their activities continues to grow.
Another source revealed that the group had succeeded in luring young people, especially girls, into joining their activities in the state.
Some pictures show the group distributing reading materials to public schools under the guise of promoting gender equality, but secretly advocating for LGBT rights.
PRIME TIME NEWS previously reported that Kano state governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had ordered the Hisbah board to crack down on suspected groups promoting and advocating for LGBTQ rights, claiming they breach the moral standards of the state.
The governor’s directive comes amid rising tension over the activities of groups promoting same-sex marriage in the state.
Kano state commissioner for information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, revealed this to newsmen on Sunday in Kano while reacting to the alleged Samosa agreement signed by the Federal Government.
According to the commissioner, the state government will not accept any agreement that promotes the activities of gays and lesbians, as it contravenes the norms and values of the people of the state.
“I spoke with the governor, and he showed his disapproval of the said agreement, even though it has not yet been confirmed. He assured that there is no room for LGBT in Kano.
“As you know, 98% of the people in Kano are Muslim by faith, and our religion is against this immorality, so we can’t accept it.”
Regarding the allegations of groups promoting LGBT activities in the state, the commissioner said the government received concerns from citizens, and the governor ordered Hisbah to investigate and take appropriate legal action.
“We also spoke with the governor on that matter, and he directed Hisbah to investigate and crack down on them. We will take legal action as appropriate,” he said.
He also revealed that ongoing consultations with religious leaders are taking place on how to curb these activities.
