By Edward Osahon
Nigeria is largely conservative country of over 220 million people as it concentrates more on national interests than standard conservatism as well as upholding cultural and ethnic identity.
The nation and its people are focused more on national interests, upholding its cultural and ethnic identities. The highly religious nation is ready to deal seriously with anyone who intend or plan to disrupt this through any means which will portray the nation in bad light.
Nigeria infringes on LGBT rights. Anyone openly displaying expressions of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality are usually frowned at and ostracized by family and society.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Nigeria are facing and will continue to face severe challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. This is so because the Nigerian Government has passed a law that sees LGBT activities as illegal and criminal, punishable by 14 years jail term as enshrined in the constitution.
There is no legal protection for LGBT rights in Nigeria, as LGBT activities and rights are illegal and those involved in the acts are declared abominable and shameless. Their safety and security across the nation is not guaranteed.
Very few LGBT persons, usually of celebrity status are open about their sexual orientation. This is due to increasing violence against them. Nigerian authorities generally target the LGBT Community as many LGBT in the country are fleeing to countries with progressive law to seek protection.
Several persons who have found themselves involved in LGBT activities in Nigeria have been arrested, prosecuted and jailed while some others are on the run from security agencies who are all out to arrest and expose them to the general public.
Although several Nigerians are involved in this act despite being unacceptable to the culture, tradition and laws governing the country, they do so at their peril. Many who have been found out have had to escape for their dear life while others caught have been arrested, prosecuted and jailed across various prison across the Country.
The case of a 33 years old Efosa Morrison Osagie comes to mind. The young man alleged to have been involved in bisexual act was exposed by his girlfriend Esohe Emuetinyan.
According to report, he was declared wanted by the Nigerian Police Force because his girlfriend, Esohe Emuetinyan a trader caught him with a male partner Timothy Edobor having sex in the apartment they both shared.
The Police spokesman says the allegation was weighty and worth investigating. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the said Efosa Morrison Osagie has been involved in bisexual activities for years and successfully kept it away from family, friends and neighbors before his girlfriend caught him in the act and blew the whistle on him.
According to the police and evidence available, Efosa Morrison Osagie was invited for questioning on the issue but he failed to honour the invitation and it led to him been declared wanted as his partner Timothy Edobor has been arrested and assisting the police with relevant information that will lead to his arrest.
While in Oghara Delta State, the police raided a hideout used by LGBT people for social activities following intelligence report and arrested over 12 young men and 10 ladies for various acts connected to homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality and other LGBT activities.
These are few amongst several cases in the nation. Religious and political leaders have called on parents, school teachers and mentors in the education system and Federal Government to intensify efforts in reshaping the minds of the Nigerian child.
