- Nigerian gay rights activist Bisi Alimi responded to a viral photo of RCCG General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye in a Navy-like regalia.
- Bisi Alimi criticized the cleric for slamming Adeboye and his wife’s regalia for a church event.
- The religious leader was questioned about whether he served in the military, as that is the only valid reason for wearing the uniform.
Nigerian gay rights advocate Bisi Alimi has expressed his discontent regarding a widely circulated image of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), who was seen wearing attire reminiscent of a naval uniform.
Alimi criticized the cleric for the outfit he and his wife donned at a church function. He raised the question of whether Adeboye has any military background, suggesting that such a connection would justify the wearing of such a uniform.
Reflecting on the treatment civilians receive for donning camouflage, he questioned why similar scrutiny is not applied in this instance, speculating whether it is due to Adeboye’s status as a religious figure. In an extensive commentary, Bisi Alimi articulated his thoughts.
“Please what the fuck is this? Did he serve in the army? To think ordinary Nigerians have either been beaten mercilessly or jailed for wearing just camouflage pants and here is a civilian in military regalia, and he is getting away with it cos he is some “man of god”?
The fucking joke that’s Nigeria.”
“And don’t come for me saying it is not a military outfit that it is Redeemed outfit! Camouflage is also not a military outfit, it is fashion and you get arrest for wearing it. The rule is clear, unless you are in the military, don’t wear any clothing that will be deemed as impersonating the military. They even have medals, what the absolute joke is this?”
“In Nigeria, civilians are not permitted to wear military uniforms or camouflage without the express permission of the president or governor, or for a bona fide display or public entertainment.”
“The penalty for wearing a military uniform without permission is one month imprisonment or a fine of N10.
The ban on civilians wearing military uniforms is intended to prevent impersonation and to help differentiate between authorized users and criminals. The Nigerian Police Force is permitted to wear camouflage when on joint operations with the military.”
Bisi Alimi referenced Nigeria’s criminal code act to support his argument, asserting that it is illegal for a civilian to don the uniform of the armed forces. He stated:
“Read the line above very well…. You can make one law for the poor and another for the rich or so called men of god
“110, Criminal Code, it is not unlawful for a person to dress having the appearance or bearing any of the regimental or other distinctive marks of the armed …”
“Section 110(1) of the Criminal Code makes it unlawful for any person who is not serving in any of the armed forces in Nigeria to wear the uniform of the armed…”
