The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Agreement until all contentious clauses are addressed and clarified.
This decision followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by 88 members. On Tuesday, Representative Aliyu Madaki, who moved the motion, raised concerns about a clause on “gender equality,” describing it as a potential “Trojan horse” that could violate the country’s moral values.
In addition to the suspension request, the House has tasked its relevant committees to investigate the controversial provisions of the agreement.
The Samoa Agreement, signed by the Federal Government with the European Union, has stirred significant controversy, with critics fearing it implies recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights, which contradicts Nigeria’s 2014 law against same-sex marriages and relationships.
At a press conference on Saturday, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu, alongside Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, assured that Nigeria would not enter into any agreement that contradicts its constitution or the religious and cultural values of its diverse population. Bagudu emphasized that the agreement aims to enhance food security and inclusive economic development, among other critical areas.
The Samoa Agreement, signed last November by the European Union, its 27 member states, and 79 member states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) in Apia, Samoa’s capital, succeeded the Cotonou Agreement. It aims to equip the parties to tackle emerging global challenges such as climate change, ocean governance, migration, health, peace, and security.
Nigeria signed the agreement on June 28, 2024, but the details only became public this week following Bagudu’s disclosure.
In a review of the Samoa Agreement, the European Parliament noted that the initial draft included provisions on LGBT rights. However, member states were hesitant to include mentions of sexual orientation and gender identity. A compromise was reached, committing only to existing international agreements on the matter. Consequently, the final agreement replaced LGBT rights with a focus on “gender equality.” Article 2, Clause 5 of the final agreement states, “the parties shall systematically promote a gender perspective and ensure that gender equality is mainstreamed across all policies.”
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