Tag: politics

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Heated Rivalry among LGBTQ People in West Africa

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

By Nana Davis Mac-Iyalla

Introduction

The LGBTQ struggle in West Africa is not only against oppressive laws and hostile societies but also against internal fractures that weaken our collective power. Rivalries within the movement—between organizations, leaders, and even communities—have become a pressing challenge. As someone who has lived, worked, and fought in this space, I believe it is time to confront these divisions head-on. Our liberation cannot be delayed by ego, competition, or mistrust.

The Roots of Division

– Funding Politics: International donors often unintentionally fuel rivalry by favoring certain organizations over others. This creates hierarchies where some groups thrive while grassroots activists are left scrambling for survival.  

– Leadership Ego: Too many leaders see themselves as the “face” of the movement, forgetting that no single person can embody the diversity of LGBTQ lives in West Africa.  

– Strategic Disagreements: Some advocate for bold visibility, others for cautious survival. Both strategies are valid, but when they clash without dialogue, they breed resentment.  

– Colonial Legacies: Language and cultural divides—Anglophone vs. Francophone, Christian vs. Muslim contexts—make regional solidarity harder to sustain.  

The Cost of Rivalry

Every time we fight among ourselves, governments and religious extremists gain ground. Rivalries:  

– Undermine credibility, allowing opponents to dismiss us as fragmented.  

– Drain energy that should be directed toward resisting criminalization and violence.  

– Alienate younger activists, who see infighting instead of inspiration.  

Example of Constructive Work: IDNOWA

The Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) demonstrates how unity and collaboration can counteract rivalry.  

– IDNOWA has consistently advocated against rising anti-LGBTIQ legislation, emphasizing that human rights are universal and must protect all individuals.  

– In Ghana, IDNOWA engaged with the Centre for Religion and Public Life to explore inclusive pastoral care for marginalized people, especially LGBTQ communities. They presented documented evidence of human rights violations to parliamentarians, strengthening the case against the anti-gay bill.  

– By building bridges across faith traditions and national borders, IDNOWA shows that solidarity is possible even in hostile environments. Their work is a reminder that collaboration, not competition, is the path to progress.  

Toward a Movement of Solidarity

We must remember: our enemy is not each other. Our enemy is the system that criminalizes love, denies healthcare, and silences our voices. To move forward:  

– Build Accountability: Leaders must be held accountable to the communities they claim to represent. Transparency in funding and decision-making is non-negotiable.  

– Center the Marginalized: Trans people, lesbians, bisexuals, and grassroots activists must not be sidelined. Their voices are essential to a truly inclusive movement.  

– Regional Networks: We need stronger cross-border alliances to resist divide-and-conquer tactics. West Africa’s LGBTQ struggle is interconnected; Nigeria’s fight is Ghana’s fight, Sierra Leone’s fight, and beyond.  

– Collective Vision: Let us unite around shared goals: decriminalization, healthcare access, protection from violence, and dignity for all.  

Conclusion

The heated rivalries among LGBTQ people in West Africa are real, but they are not insurmountable. They are symptoms of growth, of a movement finding its voice under immense pressure. But if we allow them to fester, they will become obstacles to liberation. Our future depends on solidarity, humility, and courage—not just against external oppression, but against the divisions within.  

Liberation will not come from donors, governments, or charismatic leaders alone. It will come when we, as LGBTQ people in West Africa, choose unity over rivalry, and collective struggle over personal gain.

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PUBLIC STATEMENT

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

On the Scheduling of the Anti‑LGBTQ+ Bill in the Parliament of Ghana

The Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) notes with deep concern the decision of the Parliament of Ghana to schedule the Anti‑LGBTQ+ Bill for debate and consideration. As an interfaith body committed to human dignity, justice, and peaceful coexistence, we affirm that no law should strip any human being of their safety, freedom of conscience, or right to exist without fear.

Across our region, people of diverse faiths—Christian, Muslim, traditional, and others—share a common moral principle: every human being is created with inherent worth. Criminalizing individuals on the basis of identity or perceived identity violates this shared moral foundation and threatens the social harmony that our faith traditions seek to uphold.

We respectfully urge Ghana’s lawmakers to consider the far‑reaching implications of this bill, including its impact on:

  • Human dignity and fundamental freedoms  
  • Religious liberty, especially for faith communities who reject violence and criminalization  
  • Public health and community safety  
  • Ghana’s longstanding reputation as a leader in democracy and human rights in West Africa

IDNOWA stands firmly against any form of violence, discrimination, or state‑sanctioned harm. We call for dialogue instead of punishment, understanding instead of fear, and compassion instead of criminalization.

We remain committed to working with religious leaders, civil society, and policymakers to promote peace, protect the vulnerable, and uphold the values that strengthen our communities. Our doors remain open for constructive engagement rooted in respect and shared humanity.

Human dignity is not a debate. It is a sacred obligation.

Signed,

Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA)

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IDNOWA Position Paper

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Countering Anti‑LGBTIQ Legislation in West Africa Through Human Rights and Interfaith Solidarity

   Introduction

IDNOWA affirms that human rights are universal, indivisible, and inherent to all people. Across West Africa, a surge of anti‑LGBTIQ legislation threatens the dignity, safety, and freedoms of millions. These laws undermine constitutional protections, weaken democratic institutions, and contradict regional and international commitments to equality.

As an interfaith organisation rooted in the shared moral values of Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religions, IDNOWA rejects all forms of legislation that criminalise or stigmatise individuals based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Our work is grounded in the belief that compassion, justice, and human dignity are sacred principles across all faiths.

   Context: Rising Anti‑LGBTIQ Legislation in West Africa

Several West African countries have recently introduced or strengthened laws that:

  • Criminalise consensual same‑sex relationships
  • Restrict freedom of association, expression, and assembly
  • Ban or censor LGBTIQ‑related organisations and advocacy
  • Impose harsh penalties, including imprisonment
  • Encourage public reporting, harassment, and violence

These laws are often justified using religious or cultural rhetoric, despite the fact that many originate from colonial‑era penal codes rather than indigenous African traditions.

   Impact of Anti‑LGBTIQ Legislation

Human Rights Violations

  • Arbitrary arrests and detentions
  • Increased violence, blackmail, and extortion
  • Suppression of civil society and human rights defenders

Public Health Risks

  • Reduced access to HIV prevention and treatment
  • Fear of seeking healthcare due to criminalisation
  • Disruption of community‑based health programmes

Economic and Developmental Costs

  • Loss of workforce productivity
  • Barriers to inclusive development
  • Reduced international cooperation and investment

Social Fragmentation

  • Heightened stigma and discrimination
  • Breakdown of community trust
  • Increased vulnerability of marginalised groups

   IDNOWA’s Position: A Human Rights and Interfaith Mandate

IDNOWA’s stance is grounded in human rights principles and the shared moral teachings of West Africa’s diverse faith traditions. Across Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religions, core values such as compassion, justice, and the sanctity of human dignity are universal.

Our interfaith position affirms that:

  • Human dignity is sacred — no law should strip individuals of their inherent worth.
  • Compassion is a shared religious value — punitive laws that harm vulnerable people contradict the ethical teachings of major faith traditions.
  • Justice requires inclusion — discrimination violates the moral responsibility to protect all members of society.
  • Faith must not be weaponised — religious teachings should not be misused to justify state‑sanctioned harm.

Supporting Voices from African Faith Leaders

IDNOWA aligns with respected African religious leaders — Christian, Muslim, and Traditionalist — who have spoken publicly in defence of human dignity:

  • Nana Davis Mac‑Iyalla, Anglican human‑rights advocate (Ghana/Nigeria): “God’s love is for everyone. No one should be criminalised because of who they are or whom they love.”
  • Rev. Patricia Akpan, Christian minister and gender‑justice advocate (Nigeria): “Faith should never be used as a weapon. Our calling is to protect life, not to condemn people for who they are.”
  • Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu, Anglican priest and educator (South Africa): “Our faith calls us to stand with the oppressed, not to create new categories of people to fear or reject.”
  • Mama Grace Onibon, Yoruba Traditionalist elder and peace advocate (Nigeria): “In our traditions, every person is a child of the community. We do not cast people out — we restore them to wholeness.”
  • Archbishop Desmond Tutu (South Africa): “I would refuse to go to a homophobic heaven. I cannot worship a God who is homophobic.”
  • Imam Muhsin Hendricks (South Africa): “Islam is a religion of compassion. Criminalisation and violence have no place in our faith.”

These voices demonstrate that African religious leadership is diverse and that many leaders — including women and Traditionalists — affirm dignity, coexistence, and non‑violence.

   Strategic Priorities for Countering Anti‑LGBTIQ Legislation

A. Advocacy and Policy Engagement

  • Engage policymakers, parliamentarians, and regional bodies.
  • Provide evidence‑based briefs on the harms of criminalisation.
  • Support legal reform aligned with constitutional and human rights obligations.

B. Strengthening Civil Society

  • Build coalitions across human rights, feminist, youth, and disability movements.
  • Support grassroots organisations with training and security resources.
  • Promote safe platforms for community voices.

C. Public Education and Narrative Change

  • Counter misinformation with culturally grounded messaging.
  • Promote narratives rooted in shared values of dignity and coexistence.
  • Engage religious and traditional leaders in dialogue.

D. Protection and Support for Affected Communities

  • Expand access to psychosocial support, legal aid, and emergency assistance.
  • Strengthen community‑led safety networks.
  • Ensure non‑discriminatory healthcare access.

E. Regional and International Solidarity

  • Collaborate with ECOWAS, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and UN agencies.
  • Advocate for diplomatic pressure and human rights monitoring.
  • Mobilise international partners to support rights‑based development.

   Interfaith Engagement as a Pathway to Social Harmony

As an interfaith organisation, IDNOWA recognises that religious leaders hold significant influence in shaping public opinion and policy. Engaging them is essential to countering harmful legislation.

A. Reclaiming Faith from Extremism

IDNOWA works with faith leaders to:

  • Promote contextual, compassionate interpretations of scripture
  • Challenge the misuse of religion for political gain
  • Highlight teachings that emphasise love, mercy, and justice

B. Building Bridges Across Faith Communities

We foster collaboration among Christian, Muslim, and Traditionalist leaders to:

  • Issue joint statements affirming human dignity
  • Create safe spaces for dialogue
  • Reduce tensions and prevent religiously motivated violence

C. Supporting Inclusive Faith Leaders

IDNOWA:

  • Provides training on human rights and inclusive theology
  • Offers solidarity networks for leaders facing backlash
  • Amplifies voices that promote peace and coexistence

D. Grounding Advocacy in Shared Values

Our messaging draws on values that resonate across faiths:

  • The sanctity of life
  • Community care
  • Protection of the vulnerable
  • Rejection of violence and injustice

E. Faith‑Based Approaches to Public Health

We collaborate with religious institutions to:

  • Support non‑discriminatory HIV services
  • Reduce stigma in faith‑based health settings
  • Promote messages of care rather than punishment

  Recommendations to Governments

IDNOWA calls on West African governments to:

  • Halt or repeal anti‑LGBTIQ legislation
  • Uphold constitutional protections for all citizens
  • Ensure freedom of expression, association, and assembly
  • Protect human rights defenders and civil society
  • Adopt evidence‑based public health policies

  Conclusion

Anti‑LGBTIQ legislation threatens human rights, public health, and the moral fabric of West African societies. As an interfaith organisation, IDNOWA stands firmly for compassion, justice, and the protection of all people. We call on governments, religious leaders, civil society, and international partners to uphold the shared values that unite us — dignity, peace, and the belief that every human being deserves to live free from fear and discrimination.

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Appeal for Responsible Leadership in Ghana’s Parliament

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

IDNOWA has formally written to the Minority Leader of the Parliament of Ghana, Hon. Alexander Afenyo‑Markin, appealing for responsible leadership and urging Parliament not to use the Anti‑LGBTIQ Bill as a tool for retaliation or political pressure.

Our message is simple and grounded in Ghana’s constitutional values: every citizen deserves protection, dignity, and fairness—regardless of sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or religion.

Dear Hon. Alexander Afenyo‑Markin, Minority Leader, Parliament of the Republic of Ghana,

I extend my respectful greetings to you and your distinguished office. I am writing in my capacity as Executive Director of the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA), an organisation committed to promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and the protection of all citizens irrespective of their background, beliefs, or identity.

I wish to respectfully appeal to your good office regarding the ongoing calls for the passage of the Anti‑LGBTIQ Bill. My concern is not rooted in politics, but in the shared responsibility we all bear to safeguard Ghana’s democratic values, human dignity, and long‑standing traditions of tolerance.

IDNOWA is not advocating for special privileges or political advantage for any group. Our position is simple: every Ghanaian deserves equal protection under the law, regardless of sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion. This principle aligns with Ghana’s constitutional commitments and with the moral foundations of our diverse cultural and faith traditions.

Historically, our ancestors lived in communities where differences were managed with wisdom rather than punishment. They did not build prisons for people based on their private lives or identities. Instead, they upheld a social fabric that valued harmony, coexistence, and respect for diversity. These values have shaped Ghana into a nation admired for its stability and humanity.

At a time when the country faces significant economic and social challenges, prioritising legislation that targets vulnerable citizens risks diverting national attention from urgent development needs. It also risks deepening divisions at a moment when unity is essential. Ghana’s reputation as a democratic, rights‑respecting nation has been earned through decades of careful leadership—leadership that you now embody in your role as Minority Leader.

I therefore appeal to your conscience, your sense of justice, and your commitment to Ghana’s democratic heritage. Your influence can help ensure that Parliament does not become a tool for retaliation or exclusion, but remains a place where every citizen feels represented and protected. This moment calls for leadership that rises above political tensions and affirms the dignity of all Ghanaians.

I trust in your wisdom and your ability to guide Parliament toward decisions that strengthen our national cohesion and uphold the values that define us as a people.

Thank you for your service to Ghana and for considering this respectful appeal.

Yours sincerely,

Davis Mac‑Iyalla

Executive Director Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA)

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 “Dead on Arrival”: Ghana’s Reintroduced Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Violates Constitution Again

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

By Nana Davis Mac-Iyalla  
Executive Director of IDNOWA

Ghana’s Parliament has, once again, reintroduced the so-called Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill—a Private Member’s Bill that seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ identities, advocacy, and even journalism. But just like its predecessor introduced in 2021, this bill is not only discriminatory—it is unconstitutional.

⚖️ Article 108: The Bill’s Fatal Flaw

Under Article 108 of the 1992 Constitution, the Speaker of Parliament is prohibited from allowing any bill that imposes a financial burden on the State unless it is introduced by the government. This bill proposes prison sentences of up to 10 years for individuals who “promote” LGBTQ+ rights—including journalists, allies, and advocates.

That means:

  • Convicts must be housed, fed, and secured—at the taxpayer’s expense.
  • The bill is not government-sponsored, yet it mandates costly enforcement.

This is a textbook violation of Article 108. The Speaker is constitutionally barred from proceeding. Any attempt to do so undermines the integrity of Parliament and the rule of law.

📉 A Bill That Lapsed—and Should Stay Buried

The original version of this bill, introduced in 2021, lapsed without passage. It was widely condemned by legal experts, human rights defenders, and international observers. Its reintroduction in 2025 is not a revival—it’s a repetition of error.

🗣️ Legacy, Clarity, and Constitutional Courage

Let it be known: this bill is dead on arrival. No amount of posturing or moral panic can override the Constitution. Ghana’s democracy is not a playground for populist punishment. We must anchor our laws in justice, clarity, and fiscal responsibility.

To every journalist, advocate, and citizen who refuses to be silenced—stand firm. The Constitution is on your side. And to those who seek to weaponize Parliament against dignity and truth: the law has spoken. You may reintroduce the bill, but you cannot resurrect its legitimacy.

Press

IDNOWA Condemns Burkina Faso’s Anti-Homosexuality Law as a Grave Violation of Human Dignity

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

PRESS STATEMENT FROM IDNOWA September 2, 2025

IDNOWA Condemns Burkina Faso’s Anti-Homosexuality Law as a Grave Violation of Human Dignity

  IDNOWA stands in unwavering solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities across Africa and strongly denounced the recent passage of a law in Burkina Faso criminalizing homosexuality. This legislation, which imposes prison sentences of two to five years for consensual same-sex relations, is a direct assault on human rights, spiritual dignity, and the principles of justice that should guide any legitimate governance.  

  This law is not only inhumane—it is a dangerous distraction. At a time when citizens are calling for transparency, economic stability, and peace, the government has chosen to scapegoat LGBTQ+ individuals to deflect from its own failures. Such tactics erode public trust and deepen social divisions.  

Davis Mac-Iyalla, Executive Director of IDNOWA, affirms:

“LGBTQ+ people are not outsiders—we are part of Africa’s story, its spirit, and its future. Criminalizing our existence is a betrayal of our shared humanity and a denial of the continent’s rich diversity.”

  We call on the transitional government of Burkina Faso to repeal this unjust law and to redirect its energy toward inclusive governance, protection of civil liberties, and the healing of its nation. True leadership does not come from repression—it comes from courage, compassion, and accountability.  

As an interfaith and ancestral justice network, IDNOWA affirms that every human being carries divine worth. We reject any attempt to criminalize love, identity, or existence. We urge regional and global allies to speak out, to protect those at risk, and to ensure that Africa’s future is not built on fear, but on freedom.

Let it be known: silence is complicity. We will not be silent.

For media inquiries, contact: 

interfaithdiversitynowa@gmail.com

END

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IDNOWA Leads Bold Dialogue on Human Rights and Inclusion Amid Ghana’s Anti-LGBT Bill Debate

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Press Release
For Immediate Release Date: 11 August 2025 Contact: Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) Email: info@idnowa.org

IDNOWA Leads Bold Dialogue on Human Rights and Inclusion Amid Ghana’s Anti-LGBT Bill Debate

Accra, Ghana — On 4 August 2025, the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) hosted a landmark sensitization workshop aimed at promoting human rights awareness and fostering inclusive dialogue among religious and traditional leaders. The event comes at a critical time, as Ghana’s Parliament reconsiders the controversial anti-LGBT bill, raising alarm among civil society and international observers.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of faith leaders, human rights educators, and civil society representatives to explore the intersection of religion, culture, and inclusion. Through presentations, group discussions, and personal storytelling, participants examined the social and legal implications of the proposed legislation and reaffirmed their commitment to dignity and equality for all.

“This workshop is not just a conversation—it’s a commitment to justice,” said Davis Mac-Iyalla, Executive Director of IDNOWA. “We must continue to challenge exclusionary narratives and empower leaders to stand for compassion and equality.”

IDNOWA has been at the forefront of promoting inclusion across West Africa, using interfaith dialogue to dismantle stigma and build bridges between communities. The organization’s ongoing efforts include educational outreach, advocacy campaigns, and strategic partnerships with local and international stakeholders.

Key Outcomes:
Increased empathy and understanding among religious leaders.

Commitments to promote inclusive practices within faith communities.

Heightened awareness of the anti-LGBT bill’s risks to civil liberties.

Recommendations:
Continued engagement through follow-up workshops.

Development of tailored educational materials for faith communities.

Strengthened partnerships with advocacy groups to support inclusive policy dialogue.

This workshop underscores IDNOWA’s unwavering dedication to human rights and its strategic role in shaping a more inclusive West Africa.

For interviews, media inquiries, or further information, please contact: IDNOWA Communications Team 📧 info@idnowa.org 🌐 Visit our press page

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Statement in support of the right to freedom of expression and assembly of LGBTI communities

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) brings together 44 member states, intergovernmental organisations and more than 100 civil society organisations to advance the rights and dignity of LGTBI communities globally. On behalf of the members of the ERC, Co-Chairs Colombia and Spain, with the support of Caribe Afirmativo and FundaciónTriángulo, declare:

That we reject all legislative amendments that seek to limit and restrict the right of LGBTI people and their allies to public assembly, public expression and privacy, under the pretext of protecting children and adolescents.

That these legislative amendments, which portray LGBTI people in a way that reinforces negative stereotypes, have serious consequences for the lives and human rights of LGBTI people, including LGBTI minors, such as prohibiting and limiting their participation in public life and generating a context of social stigmatisation that promotes and legitimises violence, discrimination and harassment.

That prohibiting by law the free expression of diversity, in books, films, performances, theatre, music or any other cultural expression, is a form of censorship that undermines human rights and democratic values and increases the vulnerability of LGBTI people. That curtailing the freedom of expression and assembly of LGBTI people, limiting or preventing public demonstration, or preventing the free expression and gender identity of transgender people, contradicts the fundamental values of dignity, freedom, equality and human rights, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

That the efforts of governments and civil society in many regions of the world to promote freedom of expression and assembly of LGBTI people should be recognised and that countries and civil society should continue to share good practices and inclusive legislation.

We therefore call on governments and international and regional organisations to reject such legislative provisions as they undermine the rights of LGBTI people, and the principles and values of democracy and human rights.

In plural and tolerant societies that respect diversity, there is no place for the prohibition of a free and non-violent demonstration such as LGBTI Pride.

Statement by the co-chairs of the ERC, Colombia and Spain, on behalf of the Equal Rights Coalition.

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Statement by the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) on Ghana’s Upcoming Elections

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Statement by the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) on Ghana’s Upcoming Elections on 7th December 2024

As Ghana approaches its general elections on 7th December 2024, the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) calls for a peaceful, inclusive, and transparent electoral process that upholds the dignity and rights of all citizens.

A Call for Peace and Unity
We urge political parties, candidates, and their supporters to prioritize peace and refrain from rhetoric or actions that may incite violence, division, or hatred. Ghana has long been a beacon of democracy in Africa, and it is imperative that this legacy is upheld during this critical period.

Respect for Human Rights
Elections should not be a platform for the marginalization of vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and LGBTQI+ individuals. We call on all stakeholders to promote messages of inclusion, unity, and respect for diversity. Hate speech, stigmatization, and the use of homophobia as a political tool have no place in a democratic society.

Fairness and Transparency
IDNOWA appeals to the Electoral Commission, security agencies, and all relevant authorities, to ensure that the electoral process is free, fair and transparent. Citizens must feel confident that their voices will be heard and their votes counted without intimidation or fear.


Engagement with Religious and Community Leaders
As an interfaith organization, we emphasise the role of religious and community leaders in fostering dialogue and encouraging peaceful coexistence. Let us use our platforms to unite communities rather than divide them.

Encouraging Civic Responsibility
We encourage all eligible voters to exercise their right to vote responsibly and without coercion. Participation in the democratic process is a cornerstone of active citizenship and a vital step toward shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.

Our Commitment
IDNOWA remains committed to promoting peace, human rights, and inclusion across West Africa. We stand ready to collaborate with civil society organizations, government agencies, and international partners to ensure a peaceful electoral process in Ghana.

Together, let us strive for an election that reflects the values of justice, equity, and respect for all.

Signed
Mr. Davis Mac-Iyalla
Executive Director
Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa.

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Kano Cleric Apologises To Bauchi Gov’t Over False Claim On Homosexuality

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Kano Cleric Apologises To Bauchi Gov’t Over False Claim On Homosexuality (leadership.ng)
A Kano-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abdullahi Gadon Kaya has apologised to the Bauchi State government over a misinformation he propagated during one of his recent preaching sessions where he claimed that homosexuals across the country converged in an undisclosed hotel in the state to commit sodomy.

He also alleged that the homosexuals rented the hotel at a whooping sum of N100,000,000 for a 10-day event.

However, renouncing the claim, Gadon Kaya said he was wrongly informed by someone in Bauchi State who called him on phone to inform him about the supposed gathering of homosexuals.

LEADERSHIP reports that the allegation generated uproar in the state, leading to the cleric’s invitation by the Bauchi State Shariah Commission to give evidence of the claim.

Following the invitation by the commission, Gadon Kaya came out in a viral Facebook video monitored by our correspondent on Wednesday, debunking his previous allegations.

According to him, security agents had conducted thorough investigations on the matter but found it to be false.

He begged the Bauchi State government and security agencies for the misinformation, stressing that he was misled by someone whose identity he declined to reveal.

“I apologise to the government of Bauchi State and the security agents; and I want to state that I did not mean to hurt anyone with that misinformation. In the course of preaching, one may say something correctly or incorrectly at times”, he said.

Davis Mac-Iyalla, Executive Director,  Interfaith Diversity Network said, “I am glad he has apologies after being found out for speaking dangerous rumours against the LGBT+ community and their allies but I believe he should have gone further to preach tolerance and inclusion. Many LGBT+ Nigerians have been violently attacked and some forced to flee the country as a direct result of fake rumours like this from religious and traditional leaders.  fearing for their safety and security. 

IDNOWA will continue to work with stakeholders and state actors advocating for the human rights and freedom of LGBT+ people in Nigeria, and West African in general.