Education ministry asks DSS to probe group over proposed same-sex marriage debate

The ministry of education has asked the Department of State Services (DSS) to probe Creative Africa Initiative, a group proposing to hold a nationwide debate on same-sex marriage. 

In a letter addressed to the director-general of the DSS, on August 9, Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, the permanent secretary of the ministry, said the proposed debate on the topic, ‘Same-Sex Marriage Should Be Legalized in Nigeria’, contravenes extant laws in the country. 

The permanent secretary alleged that the group forged letters using the ministry’s letterhead to propose the debate.

Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA) passed in 2014 prohibits LGBT rights and criminalises marriage between people of the same sex.

In the letter seen by TheCable, the permanent secretary warned that the “divisive” debate topic could lead to public disorder, further escalating tension and division in the country.

“I write to bring to your attention a matter of urgent national concern. It has come to my notice that an organization, Creative Africa Initiative, has issued a letter not originating from the Federal Ministry Education proposing to hold a national debate with the topic: ‘Same-Sex Marriage Should Be Legalized in Nigeria’. Given the sensitive nature of this topic, which is not only against the cultural and religious values of the majority of Nigerians but also contravenes existing Nigerian laws,” the letter reads.

“This initiative is capable of causing widespread confusion and potentially inciting unrest within the country.

“The introduction of such a topic into public discourse, especially through a formal debate, may have far-reaching consequences that could disrupt public peace and social cohesion.

“The debate could be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to undermine the laws of Nigeria and destabilize societal norms, thereby causing unnecessary tension and division among the populace.

“In light of the above, I humbly request that the Department of State Services (DSS) investigate the origin and intentions behind this letter from Creative Africa Initiative. It is crucial to ensure that such activities, which have the potential to incite discord, are thoroughly scrutinized and addressed appropriately.”

The ministry asked the DSS to “treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and take the necessary steps to safeguard the peace and stability of our nation”.