The House of Representatives has passed a motion sponsored by 88 members, calling on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the controversial Samoa Agreement until all contentious clauses are addressed.
The motion, moved by Representative Aliyu Madaki on Tuesday, specifically highlights concerns over the “gender equality” clause, which some lawmakers view as a threat to the country’s moral values.
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The House has also mandated its relevant committees to investigate the agreement’s controversial provisions.
The Samoa Agreement, signed between Nigeria and the European Union, has sparked widespread criticism and outrage, with many interpreting it as recognizing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights, which contradicts Nigeria’s 2014 law criminalizing same-sex relationships.
Despite the backlash, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, defended the agreement at a press conference on Saturday, stating that Nigeria would not enter into any agreement that violates its constitution, religious, and cultural sensibilities.
According to Bagudu, the agreement aims to boost food security and inclusive economic development.
The development highlights the ongoing debate over the Samoa Agreement and its implications for Nigeria’s social and cultural landscape. As the government faces pressure to address the concerns of various stakeholders, the fate of the agreement remains uncertain.