House of Representatives Urges Federal Government to Suspend Samoa Agreement Amid Controversy

Amidst the growing controversy surrounding the Samoa Agreement, 88 members of the House of Representatives have proposed a motion calling for the suspension of the agreement’s implementation until all its clauses are thoroughly reviewed and clarified.

The Samoa Agreement, recently signed by the Federal Government with the European Union, has been met with significant backlash, with critics accusing the agreement of implicitly endorsing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights. The debate centres around a clause in the agreement that promotes “gender equality,” which some lawmakers view as a potential threat to national morals and values.

During a session on Tuesday, House member Aliyu Madaki expressed concerns over the agreement’s implications, describing the “gender equality” clause as a potential “Trojan horse” that could undermine traditional values. He emphasized that the clause needs to be scrutinized to prevent any negative impacts on Nigeria’s cultural and moral framework.

In response to the controversy, the House of Representatives has also directed its relevant committees to investigate the contentious provisions of the agreement. This investigation aims to ensure that all aspects of the Samoa Agreement align with the nation’s constitution and societal values.

At a press conference on Saturday, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, defended the agreement. They clarified that Nigeria would not enter into any agreement that contradicts the country’s constitution or religious and cultural principles. Bagudu explained that the primary goals of the Samoa Agreement are to enhance food security and promote inclusive economic development, rather than to impose foreign values.

The ministers reassured the public that the Federal Government is committed to upholding Nigeria’s constitutional and cultural integrity in all international agreements.