Nasiru Abubakar Kigo, the Permanent Secretary of Cabinet Affairs in Kebbi State, has issued a public apology after his controversial remarks regarding the prevalence of homosexuality and lesbianism in Sokoto and Kebbi states were exposed as false.
Kigo made the claims during a Ramadan lecture in Birnin Kebbi, citing fabricated “statistics” that suggested the existence of organized gay and lesbian groups operating within the two northern Nigerian states. However, following an investigation, it was revealed that the figures he quoted were entirely unfounded, leading to public outrage and immediate backlash.
In response to the false claims, the Kebbi State Government suspended Kigo and referred him to the State Council of Ulama for further examination. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi, a visibly remorseful Kigo admitted to fabricating the statistics and expressed regret for the harm his statements had caused.
“I, Nasiru Abubakar Kigo, have realized the grave mistake I made. I regret the offense my comments caused to the Muslim community in Sokoto and Kebbi States and beyond. 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 said, urging those who had shared videos of his remarks to delete them to prevent further damage.
The Kebbi State Council of Ulama, led by Sheikh Abdurrahman Isa Jega, accepted Kigo’s apology but admonished him for his actions. Sheikh Jega also reminded public figures of the importance of speaking responsibly, especially on sensitive issues. “Kigo is one of us, and he has acknowledged his wrongdoing. This is a reminder to all of us that words matter,” he said.
Additionally, Sheikh Umar Isa Magaji, Chairman of the Kebbi State Zakkat, Sadaqat, and Waqf Board, stressed the far-reaching consequences of Kigo’s statement, highlighting how it affected not just Sokoto and Kebbi, but the Muslim community at large. “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,” Sheikh Magaji said.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibility of public officials in shaping narratives and the need for careful, evidence-based statements on sensitive topics.
