The Kano State Hisbah Board has distanced itself from Idris Ahmed Gama, an official who publicly supported LGBTQ rights.
Gama, head of the Hisbah medical unit, stirred public debate after a video surfaced in which he called for constitutional amendments to support LGBTQ individuals.
The video, which went viral, showcased Gama sharing his personal journey and evolving perspective on LGBTQ issues.
Initially shocked by his encounters with the LGBTQ community, Gama expressed a newfound respect and understanding, stating, “They are people like me, human beings deserving of respect and dignity.”
However, Gama’s comments have been met with significant backlash. Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, Commander-General of the Hisbah Board, clarified that Gama’s views are personal and do not reflect the board’s official stance.
Daurawa reaffirmed the Hisbah Board’s stringent crackdown on LGBTQ activities, particularly targeting ‘Yan daudu’ clubs in Kano.
He warned NGOs supporting LGBTQ causes to cease operations in the state and announced that disciplinary action would be taken against Gama, with his case transferred to the board’s disciplinary unit.
In an attempt to mitigate the fallout, Gama has apologised for his actions, claiming ignorance about LGBTQ issues and seeking forgiveness from the Hisbah Board.
Despite his apology, the controversy has highlighted a significant divide within the community regarding LGBTQ rights and the legal and social challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in Nigeria.
“My first encounter with this situation was very shocking,” he said.
“But now, having experienced it again, I realize they are people like me, human beings deserving of respect and dignity.”
He emphasized the importance of inclusivity, likening LGBTQ individuals to family members and advocating for equal treatment: “We are all human and deserve equal treatment.”
Drawing on a familial analogy, Gama criticized the unequal treatment of LGBTQ individuals, lamenting that “treating one group poorly while favoring another causes gaps and perpetuates injustice.”
He called on lawmakers to review existing laws to ensure equal rights for all Nigerians, including LGBTQ individuals.
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