Project for Human Development (PHD), a Civil Society Organisation, in a rally themed, “Gay Marriage: Obama, Please Leave Nigeria Alone” organised yesterday implored President Muhammadu Buhari not to listen to the US government on issues bothering gay rights. The African leader is presently at Washington DC on a four-day official visit, during which he will hold talks with President Barack Obama and other senior officials of the United States government.
Mr Jerry Okwuosa, Director-General of PHD group noted that
“The US is now the major exporter of gay rights in the world. It has recently pressurised Uganda for a reverse of its anti-gay law. Under the influence of the US, Mozambique has recently decriminalized its anti-gay law. At the moment, US is putting pressure on Kenya to legalize gay Marriage.
“President Obama is meeting with President Buhari to discuss issues which include security, economy, Ebola and gay marriage legalisation in Nigeria. Fear is being entertained that Obama might trade off US assistance to President Buhari’s government with shooting down Goodluck Jonathan’s anti-gay law. We are however, urging President Buhari to reject such a trade-off, “ he said.
Mr Sonnie Ekwowusi, a director of PHD adds
“Homosexuality is not our culture. Every society has its own values and should grow with those values. Nigeria has her own values and we must stick to our values and tradition. Laws are made in consonant with the values of the people. Every country is interested in protecting what it holds dear. Our view is that homosexuality is an acquired habit that ought to be eradicated and not be transformed into an acceptable human conduct by law (in Nigeria). Our recommendation with regard to same sex marriage is absolute prohibition, “ Ekwowusi said.