Kano government demands suppression of LGBT rights advocacy groups

Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has said that any organization that is believed to be supporting and fighting for the rights of homosexual, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the state will not be tolerated by his administration.

Following escalating tensions over the purportedly pro-same-sex marriage actions of certain groups in the state, the governor issued his instruction.

In Kano on Sunday, state Commissioner of Information Baba Dantiye revealed the information to reporters in response to questions on a purported federal deal pertaining to LGBTQ rights.

According to Dantiye, the state government would not recognize any agreement that encourages homosexual and lesbian activity since it goes against Kano people’s norms and values and violates the moral standards of the state.

According to the commissioner, the governor has ordered the Hisbah Board to take aggressive action against organizations advocating for LGBT rights in the state.

He said, “I spoke with the governor, and he expressed his disapproval of the said agreement, even though it has not yet been confirmed. He assured me that there is no room for LGBT activities in Kano.

“As you know, 98% of Kano’s population are Muslims by faith, and our religion is against this immorality, so we can’t accept it.”

Concerns from the public have been brought to the attention of the government, the commissioner said, and the governor has directed Hisbah to look into and take action against these groups. These groups are allegedly encouraging LGBT activities in the state.

Dantiye added that discussions about how to stop these kinds of activities in the state are still going on with religious authorities.

He added, “We also discussed this with the governor, and he directed Hisbah to investigate and crack down on them. We will take legal action as appropriate.”