Nasiru Abubakar Kigo, the Permanent Secretary of Cabinet Affairs in Kebbi State, has issued a public apology for making incorrect statements regarding the frequency of homosexuality and lesbianism in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
During a Ramadan lecture in Birnin Kebbi, Kigo cited what he called “statistics” on the existence of gay and lesbian groups in the two states.
However, investigations found that the data were wholly faked, causing uproar and resulting in disciplinary action from the state administration.
The Kebbi State Government promptly suspended Kigo and recommended him to the State Council of Ulama for further investigation.
At a press conference on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi, a visibly sorry Kigo acknowledged to faking the data and begged forgiveness from the Muslim ummah in Kebbi, Sokoto, and elsewhere.
He stated, “I, Nasiru Abubakar Kigo, have realised the grave mistake I made. I regret the offence my comments caused to the Muslim community in Sokoto and Kebbi States and across the nation.
“I had no evidence for the statistics I quoted. I take full responsibility and sincerely seek forgiveness for the misinformation and the negative image it may have created.”
Kigo also urged those who were sharing footage of his remarks to remove them to avoid more damage.
Sheikh Abdurrahman Isa Jega, Chairman of the Kebbi State Council of Ulama, responded by saying that the council had accepted Kigo’s apologies and admonished him.
He also urged other public leaders and professors to be wary of their words.
“Kigo is one of us, and he has acknowledged his wrongdoing. This is a reminder to all of us that words matter, especially on sensitive issues,” Sheikh Jega said.
He also urged those who were sharing footage of his remarks to remove them to avoid more damage.
Sheikh Abdurrahman Isa Jega, Chairman of the Kebbi State Council of Ulama, responded by saying that the council had accepted Kigo’s apologies and admonished him.
He also urged other public leaders and professors to be wary of their words.
“What he said hurt not just Sokoto and Kebbi states, but the Muslim community as a whole. It was necessary to act swiftly to prevent the spread of misinformation,” he said.
