Anti-gay law: Nigerian govt talks tough
By Sani Tukur
"We owe no one apology over anti-gay law"...Nigeria tells foreign countries to mind their business, and stop meddling in the
country's law-making process. The Federal Government on Wednesday restated its
determination to pass a law banning same-sex marriage and open display of
affection by gays within its territory.
Briefing State
House correspondents after the weekly meeting of the Executive Council of the
Federation, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, said Nigeria owed no one any apology
over the law.
The
government’s insistence on the law came on the heels of threats by the British
and American governments to withdraw aids from countries which do not allow
gays to do as they wish.
Mr. Maku
said although the anti-gay bill is a long way away from becoming law, foreign
countries should respect Nigeria’s
sovereignty and refrain from interfering in her law-making process.
“We live in
a democracy, we live in a free country, we live in an independent country, the
minister said. “And in every democracy as you know, there are institutions,
there are laws and also there are cultures, there are believes and values in
every nation.
"Let
me make the point clear, our country is an independent country, we reserve the
right to make our laws without apology to other countries.
"At
any rate, between Europe, America and Africa there is a huge culture gap, some
of the things that are considered fundamental rights abroad, also can be very
offensive to African culture, tradition and to the way we live our lives here.”
Mr. Maku
added, " The truth of the matter is, our democracy will be guarded by Nigeria's
interest and values. And if eventually the bill becomes law, we will live with
it.
“And we
will take comments by our foreign partners and friends as legitimate but I also
know that it is the legitimate rights of Nigeria as an independent nation and
our legislature to legislate and discuss any matter in the world that comes
before them that is also in tune with the welfare of the people of
Nigeria."
As reported by the Times yesterday, the meeting, presided over
by President Goodluck Jonathan, spent more time on its traditional weekly
ritual of contract awards bazaar, and approval of payments for contracts
already awarded.
Mr. Maku said various contracts amounting to N36.6b were
approved for award at the meeting.
The
ministers who brought memos for the award of the contracts later took turns to
brief the correspondents.
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