The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Agreement until all controversial clauses are addressed.
The House resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance brought on the floor of the green chamber by the Minority Leader, Aliyu Madaki, and 87 others during plenary in Abuja on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
Speaking, 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.
The Samoa Agreement is the overarching legal framework for the European Union’s relations with 79 countries, including 48 African, 16 Caribbean, and 15 Pacific countries.
Controversy enveloped the agreement signed by the federal government with the European Union, with many frowning upon what they described as the recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights by the Nigerian government.
The Samoa deal elicited reactions online with many opposing LGBT rights, which is contrary to the anti-same-sex marriages and gay relationships law enacted in 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
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Speaking at a press conference in Abuja last Saturday, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Information, Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria won’t enter into an agreement that was antithetical to the constitution as well as the religious and cultural sensibilities of Nigerians.
Bagudu said Nigeria signed the agreement to boost food security, and inclusive economic development, among other vital areas.
In November 2023, the European Union, its 27 member states, and 79 member states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) signed the agreement in Apia, the capital of the Pacific island country of Samoa.
With the Samoa Agreement which succeeded the Cotonou Agreement, the parties are expected to be better equipped to address emerging needs and global challenges, such as climate change, ocean governance, migration, health, peace and security.
Nigeria signed the agreement on June 28, 2024, but it became public knowledge last weekend after a disclosure by Bagudu.
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