Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, has requested that the Department of State Services (DSS) investigate the origins and motives behind a letter from Creative Africa Initiative proposing a national debate on the topic: “Same-S*x Marriage Should Be Legalized in Nigeria.”
This request was made in a letter dated August 9, 2024, addressed to the DSS Director General.
The letter read; “I write to bring to your attention a matter of urgent national concern. It has come to my notice that an organisation, Creative Africa Initiative, has issued a letter not originating from the Federal Ministry Education proposing to hold a national debate with the topic: “Same-S*x Marriage Should Be Legalised in Nigeria” (letter attached).”
The letter proposing the debate was reportedly sent to state Commissioners of Education, falsely claiming to be from the Federal Ministry of Education. The ministry has denied any involvement, labeling the letter as fraudulent.
In his letter to the DSS, Gwarzo expressed concern that the topic is not only contrary to the cultural and religious values of most Nigerians but also violates existing Nigerian laws.
He warned that introducing such a contentious issue into public debate could lead to widespread confusion and potential unrest, disrupting public peace and social cohesion.
Gwarzo described the debate as a potential attempt to undermine Nigerian laws and destabilize societal norms, causing unnecessary tension and division.
He requested that the DSS investigate the origins and motives behind the Creative Africa Initiative’s letter, emphasizing the need for a thorough review to prevent any activities that could incite discord and threaten national stability.
The Permanent Secretary urged the department to address the matter with the utmost seriousness to maintain the nation’s peace and stability.