Suspicious Provisions of Gender Equality, House of Rep Urges Govt To Suspend SAMOA Agreement.
Information reaching thenewskingdom have it that a motion of urgent national importance raised and sponsored by 88 members, the House of Representatives has finally called on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Agreement until all controversial clauses are thoroughly addressed and clarified.
It was gathered that Aliyu Madaki, who moved the motion during today’s plenary, called the attention of his colleagues to a particular clause on “gender equality,” describing it as a potential “Trojan horse” that could contravene the country’s moral values.
Madaki reiterated that the clause has raised significant concerns, with critics interpreting it as a possible recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights, which conflicts with Nigeria’s strict anti-same-sex marriage laws enacted in 2014 under then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
However, the House has tasked its relevant committees to investigate the controversial provisions of the agreement to ensure they align with Nigeria’s constitutional, religious, and cultural values.
The newskingdom learnt that the Samoa Agreement, bilaterally signed between Nigeria and the European Union, aims to enhance food security and foster inclusive economic development among other critical areas.
The provisions, according to the report, have sparked a wave of online backlash, primarily focused on the perceived inclusion of LGBT rights.
On Saturday, while addressing press conference, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, alongside the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, reassured the public that Nigeria would not enter into any agreement that contradicts the constitution or the cultural and religious sensibilities of its diverse population.
It should be recalled that 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), aims to equip the parties better to address global challenges such as climate change, ocean governance, migration, health, peace, and security.
Information disclosed that Nigeria signed the SAMOA agreement on June 28, 2024, although it only came to public attention recently following Minister Bagudu’s disclosure.
