Days after intersexual cross-dressing, bleaching advocate, born Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky was invited to be a guest speaker at the Rights & Responsibilities Seminar in Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari’s Personal Assistant on New Media, Bashir Ahmed, has withdrawn from the conference.
The New Media Citizens and Governance Conference kicked off in Abuja on Wednesday and Bobrisky, popularly known as “Africa’s First Male Barbie,” was slated to speak on Day 2 (Thursday).
But controversy now trails his participation in the conference as most Nigerians think it is absurd to have him (she) speak at the event to ‘mislead’ people.
The President’s PA released a statement, saying he has withdrawn from the conference following Bobrisky’s inclusion.
On his Twitter handle @BashirAhmaad, he wrote: “I will not be attending #NMGC2016 tomorrow—Most people commending me—others decrying my non-attendance.
“I have received several messages from friends, tweets, and even colleagues from the media on my attendance at the NMGC Conference.
“Most commending me for rejecting to share the same podium with Mr Idris Okuneye popularly known as Bobrisky, others decrying my non-attendance.
“Indeed, I will not be attending the NMGC Conference and have since communicated that to the organizers.
“I thanked them for the kind invitation and they also understand the fact I will be unavailable for the event.
“You may contact the NMGC Conference for more details.”
Also, a member of Alder Consulting’s Executive Committee, Subomi Plumptre, withdrew from the Conference following Bobrisky’s involvement.
A statement from Alder Consulting said “Bobrisky’s presence would sensationalize and radicalize the event, which should otherwise be a serious discourse on new approaches to media engagement.”
Some Nigerians on the social media are of the opinion that the fact that he is called “Africa’s Male Barbie,” wears makeup, dresses in women’s clothes regardless of his sexual orientation, Bobrisky’s presence at the conference is indicative of Nigeria’s sentiment towards homosexuality because Bobrisky has neither been identified as gay or straight and fans continue to speculate at his sexual orientation.
Recall that in January 2014, former President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law the Bill which outlaws same sex marriage, gay groups and public displays of affection by homosexuals.
The signed bill says gays; lesbians in Nigeria will risk a 14-year jail term if they do not retrace their steps and renounce such marriage.
Also, any person who operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organizations directly or indirectly will earn 10-year imprisonment.
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