LGBT Population: Kebbi Permanent Secretary Apologizes For Giving Misleading Statistics, Says I’m ‘Deeply Remorseful’

Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs, Kebbi State, Nasiru Abubakar Kigo, has retracted what he said about the statistics of people who engage in homosexuality and lesbianism in Sokoto and Kebbi States a few days ago.

Recall that Kigo had presented the inaccurate statistics in question at a public lecture held in Birnin Kebbi during the holy month of Ramadan. He had also claimed the existence of registered gay and lesbian groups in the two states while investigations later revealed that the claims are baseless.

 Kebbi State Government later suspended Kigo and referred the matter to relevant religious authorities for further inquiry.

Kebbi State Council of Ulamas however summoned  Kigo  and he admitted that his statement lacks factual basis.

A statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by Governor Nasir Idris’ Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yahaya Sarki noted that the Council of Ulamas held a press conference in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday during which the Permanent Secretary publicly withdrew his remarks and issued an unreserved apology.

‘I, Nasiru Abubakar Kigo, acknowledge that I made a mistake and offended the sensibilities of Muslims in Sokoto, Kebbi, and beyond.

I am deeply remorseful and seek forgiveness for the false statistics I presented regarding homosexuality and lesbianism. I urge anyone in possession of the offensive video clips to delete them permanently’ he said.

Also speaking,  Chairman of the Council of Ulamas, Sheikh Abdurrahman Isa Jega, said whoever makes a  mistake can apologize citing verses from the Qur’an and Hadith emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and correcting one’s mistakes.

‘Nasiru Abubakar Kigo is a member of our Council. He has admitted his error and apologized.

I appeal to all Ulamas, clerics, students, and the general public to weigh their words carefully and consider the consequences before speaking. 

As the Chairman, I also tender an apology on behalf of the Council to the governments and people of Sokoto and Kebbi States, and to the entire Muslim Ummah’ he said.

 Chairman of Kebbi State Zakkat, Sadaqat and Waqf Board, Sheikh Umar Isa Magaji, confirmed that the Council investigated Kigo’s comments and found them to be unfounded.

‘The Council acted swiftly to correct the narrative, in line with Islamic principles. According to the teachings of Umar bin Khattab (RA), a Muslim who makes a mistake must promptly correct it.

 Kigo’s statement impacted not just the people of Sokoto and Kebbi, but the entire Muslim community. That’s why the Council presented him before the press to issue a retraction and apology’ he said-Team@orientactualmags.com   Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you.