Controversies Surrounding Samoa Agreement Call for Suspension by Reps

The House of Representatives has passed a resolution urging the Federal Government to temporarily halt the implementation of the Samoa Agreement, amid mounting controversies.

According to the motion presented by Aliyu Madaki along with 88 others, concerns were raised over the alleged promotion of LGBTQ rights within the agreement, which directly conflict with existing laws in the country.

The committees on National Planning and Economic Development, as well as Justice, Treaties, Protocol, and Agreements, have been tasked to engage in further scrutiny of the document.

Madaki highlighted that specific articles within the Samoa Agreement, including 2.5, 29.5, 36.2, and 88, may pose threats to Nigerian values and sovereignty.

He pointed out that the language around promoting a ‘gender perspective’ raises suspicion, as it could potentially introduce ideologies like LGBTQ+ into Nigerian society under the guise of gender equality.

In response to the motion, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere emphasized that the LGBTQ aspect was not part of the agreement and accused those fueling misinformation of misleading the public.

He clarified that the inclusion of LGBTQ rights was not present in the text, and multiple government officials have refuted such claims.

Adding to the debate, Ikwechegh Alexander stressed the need to uphold Nigerian values and cultural norms, arguing that certain clauses in the agreement clash with the country’s traditional way of life.

Africa’s distinct cultural identity was underscored, with Alexander asserting that the agreement should respect the unique values and practices of the region.