SAHARA REPORTERS
The House of Representatives on Tuesday asked the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government to immediately suspend the implementation of the Samoa Agreement until the controversial clauses are addressed and spelt out.
This directive was given due to a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by 88 members concerning several backlashes that had trailed the signature of the country to the international treaty.
It was learnt hat on Tuesday, a member of the House, Aliyu Madaki, drew attention to the clause which highlights “gender equality” and describes it as a Trojan horse which could violate the morals of the country.
The House also mandated its relevant committees to investigate the controversial provisions of the agreement.
Controversy has enveloped the Samoa Agreement signed by the Federal Government with the European Union, with many frowning upon what they thought was the recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights by the Nigerian government.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had earlier clarified that Nigeria does not recognise same-sex marriage.
The NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, in a statement, had emphasised that the agreement does not impose LGBTQ rights as a prerequisite for Nigeria’s acceptance of a $150billion loan.
He pointed out that the agreement respects Nigeria’s local laws and sovereignty, including the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2023 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
According to the NBA President, if the agreement had mandated acceptance of LGBT rights, they would have advised against such terms to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He reiterated that the Samoa agreement did not compromise existing legislation or undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN SAHARA REPORTERS
