Some human rights activists and
groups have tackled the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) over the
alleged threats and harassment on Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju, controversial
internet personality and cross-dresser also known as Bobrisky.
Among the groups are the
International Center for Advocacy and The Right to Health (ICARH); The
Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs); Women’s Health and Equal Rights (WHER);
Access to Health and Rights Development Initiative (AHRDI); and Africa Focus
for Youth Development (AFFYD).
In August, Olusegun Runsewe,
director general of the NCAC had reportedly “threatened” Bobrisky, saying that,
“if he is caught on the streets of this country, he will be dealt with
ruthlessly”.
But in a joint statement on
Tuesday, the groups condemned Runsewe for “continuously inciting statements
about the internet sensation, aimed at promoting hate and intolerance.”
“Runsewe’s actions are a
violation of the Fundamental Human Rights of Bobrisky; rights which are
guaranteed to every citizen of Nigeria,” the statement read.
Recall that Zubairu Muazu, Lagos state commissioner of police, ordered 100 security
operatives at venues in the state where the self-acclaimed transgender had
planned to celebrate his 28th birthday, to prevent a potential “breach of
public peace”.
Bobrisky had also lamented the
loss of over N19 million spent on putting together his birthday following the
invasion by police.
The human right activists,
however, called on the federal government to put an end to the harassment of
the cross-dresser.
“Runsewe’s actions are a
violation of the Fundamental Human Rights of Bobrisky; rights which are
guaranteed to every citizen of Nigeria,” the statement read.
“By dedicating so much time into
harassing and threatening a citizen of Nigeria who has not committed any crime,
Runsewe is stepping out of his role and wasting taxpayers’ time and government
resources.
“He is endangering Bobrisky, and
putting Bobrisky’s life and wellbeing at risk. We condemn the actions of
Runsewe and the NCAC and urgently call on the Federal Government to put an end
to the harassment and threat to life of Nigerian Citizens by a Federal Agency
that is funded by taxpayers.”
Bobrisky has always made the
headlines for several controversial reasons, including claims about severing
his genitals, and the investigation of a Nollywood movie he featured in over
suspicions of immorality.
Last week, members of the
National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) angered some Nigerians on social media
following their protest against Bobrisky.
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