A former governor of Cross River State Donald Duke has said he will not criminalise same - sex relationships if he becomes Nigeria ’ s president in 2019 .
Duke, a member of the opposition People ’ s Democratic Party , was the governor of Cross River between 1999 and 2007 .
He made the comment while appearing on On The Couch, a show hosted by Laila Johnson - Salami and Falz the Bahd Guy.
“I don’ t understand their sexuality, ” Duke said . “But I will not criminalise them. I will ensure that they have the protection of the law. ”
He did not state how he will make the Nigerian law, which currently Nigeria criminalises same - sex relationships , protect gays .
The law enacted in 2014 by the Goodluck Jonathan government prohibits a marriage or civil union by persons of the same sex, the solemnisation of such marriage in places of worship and the registration of homosexual clubs and societies .
It prescribes a 14- year jail term for anyone who enters into a same - sex marriage or union and a 10- year jail term for any person who “operates , participates in gay clubs, societies and organisations , or directly or indirectly makes a public show of same - sex amorous relationship in Nigeria . ”
Despite his promise of protecting gays , Duke , however, said there will be no room for homosexuals to engage in public display of affection since that is “an affront on the norms of the society since that is “ an affront on the norms of the society. ”
When asked if he can appoint a gay person into his cabinet , the presidential aspirant said he would be more concerned about the value an individual will add to his government instead of the person ’ s sexuality.
“His sexuality is private to him , ” he said . “ I don’ t want to know . It is not my business . My business is can he perform the assignment that has been assigned to him . ”
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