Presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) Dr. Oby Ezekwesili has debunked media reports that she promises to uphold gay right if elected.
The 55-year-old discredited the reports published by multiple online mediums (not Qed.ng) in a Twitter thread on Friday.
She said the “gay and lesbian life choice” is against her belief as a Christian.
Answering a question by LGBTQ activist Bisi Alimi at Chatham House, in the UK on Monday, Ezekwesili promised that when it comes to public policy, everyone is entitled to equal opportunity.
Mr Alimi had wanted to know if her strong Christian faith would accommodate same-sex relationship which is banned in Nigeria.
Responding, Ezekwesili said “There is no doubt that Nigeria is a multi-plural nation. We are different people with diverse language, age, gender, religion, beliefs and status. As the president, I promise to play a role that acknowledges our differences yet fosters unity of diversity. All citizens will be accorded the fundamental rights guaranteed within the provisions of our constitution and laws.”
Her statement was translated by some media outlets as support for gay right.
In a series of Twitter posts, the former Vice-President of the World Bank’s Africa division said her pledge to uphold the basic human right of every Nigerian “in no way equates or translates to me supporting or approving gay rights.”
The wife of a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God added that “as a Christian who has a strong scriptural anchor, I don’t subscribe to the gay or lesbian life choice.”
@bisialimi asked me a question on the discrimination he suffered as a Gay Citizen of Nigeria.
I responded that as President of Nigeria I shall uphold the basic Human Rights of every Nigerian which our #ProjectRescueNigeriaManifesto does indeed express as Equality of Opportunity. pic.twitter.com/jmo9BCTHUl— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) December 7, 2018
This in no way equates or translates to me supporting or approving Gay Rights. It appears that some people are genuinely confusing Constitutional Rights due to every one regardless of their sexual orientation as Gay Rights. That is not correct.
pic.twitter.com/jmo9BCTHUl— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) December 7, 2018
Constitutional or civil rights are Rights that are similarly due to Gay people as they are to every other citizen. pic.twitter.com/jmo9BCTHUl
— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) December 7, 2018
Constitutional or Human Rights are not the same thing as or EQUIVALENT to Gay Rights.
For example, on Marriage the Constitution of our country has a definition that can not permit Gay Rights. pic.twitter.com/jmo9BCTHUl— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) December 7, 2018
As a Christian who has a strong scriptural anchor, I don’t subscribe to the Gay or Lesbian life choice. This was always publicly declared and known by those who follow me including @bisialimi who asked me the question at @ChathamHouse.pic.twitter.com/jmo9BCTHUl
— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) December 7, 2018
