Anti-gay law: MURIC tackles Biden, says Nigeria will not bow to pressure

Director of the Muslim Rights Concern in Nigeria (MURIC), Prof Ishaq Akintola, has condemned the alleged threats of the United States government to sanction Nigeria over its anti-gay law.

The MURIC director made this known on Wednesday.

Specifically, he spoke while reacting to the threat by the Joe Biden administration to sanction Nigeria and other countries found guilty of promulgating anti-gay laws or encouraging human rights abuses of LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer and intersex) persons. However, Prof. Akintola held that Nigeria will not bow to the pressure of practising same sex marriage; even as he poured cold water on the threats of impending sanctions from the US.

Further, he stated that Nigeria has its own cultural and religious beliefs; noting that it should not allow America to adulterate its people through its globalisation policies.

“My opinion is that Joe Biden has just taken his first major step on what concerns his country. I should state here that America cannot continue to force its own globalisation policies on Nigeria.

“We won’t accept or practise that kind of law. It’s not possible. We did not vote our elected representatives to make that kind of law. We didn’t vote our National Assembly members to bastardise our culture and violate our beliefs.”

In addition, the MURIC helmsman urged the Nigerian government not to cave into the lucre of financial aid.

 “Let him carry out his sanctions. Let him withdraw his financial aid and what have you. It’s not worth it. Whatever Joe Biden and the American government want to do, let them do it. Let them even invade Nigeria because of it. We don’t want blood money and we don’t want dirty money from America. Let them pocket their dirty dollars if that’s the way the game is played.”

Meanwhile, 1st News had reported that Nigeria faces impending sanctions over its anti-gay laws from the US. Equally important, the revelation came to light after Biden passed a memo condemning ant-gay laws and discrimination against LGBTQI people.

Indeed, Biden, who rode to electoral victory on the back of discontent among Americans over his predecessor, Donald Trump, has not hidden his intentions to protect LGBTQI.

“When foreign governments move to restrict the rights of LGBTQI+ persons or fail to enforce legal protections in place; thereby contributing to a climate of intolerance, agencies engaged abroad shall consider appropriate responses; including using the full range of diplomatic and assistance tools and, as appropriate, financial sanctions, visa restrictions, and other actions.

“All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear no matter who they are or whom they love. The United States belongs at the forefront of this struggle – speaking out and standing strong for our most dearly held values,” the memo read in part.

In 2014, President Goodluck Jonathan signed the anti-gay law. As a matter of fact, the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act signed in January 2014 proscribes between 10 to 14 years in prison for cohabitation between same-sex sexual partners, public show of same-sex relationship, registration, operation or participation in gay clubs, societies and organisation, amongst others.