“I Won’t Criminalize Gay Nigerians” - Donald Duke

Presidential aspirant and Former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke in a recent interview with Falz and Laila on the viral show ‘On The Couch’ has said he wouldn’t criminalise Lesbians, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender if he takes on the Presidential mantle in 2019.

Donald Duke bringing up issues of LGBT rights in Nigeria said; “I don’t understand the emotional feelings a gay person would have toward someone of their sexuality. I don’t understand it. But I would not criminalise them. I would ensure that they have the protection of the law. But if they want to exhibit their sexuality, then that’s an affront on the current norms of society.”

“Can you have a gay person in your cabinet?” Laila asked. “His sexuality is private to him,” the former governor answered. I don’t want to know if he’s gay. It’s not my business. My business is if he can perform the assignment that he’s been assigned.”

On the issue of the highly contentious special anti robbery squad (SARS) and if he would scrap the agency, the presidential aspirant said categorically, “Of course I would. Because I do not subscribe to the force where people carry arms and they’re not in uniform.”