MPs call on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Agreement

The House of Representatives called on the federal government on Tuesday to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Agreement because of the alleged clause on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

This happened because the Legislative Chamber had instructed its Committee on National Planning to examine the agreement within four weeks and report back for further legislative action.

The House resolution was a follow-up to a motion of urgent public importance tabled in the Green Chamber on Tuesday during plenary session by Minority Leader Aliyu Madaki and 87 others.

The Samoa Agreement provides the overarching legal framework for the European Union’s relations with 79 countries, including 48 African, 16 Caribbean and 15 Pacific countries.

Last week, a national newspaper (not The PUNCH) claimed in its top story that the agreement contained a clause legalising same-sex relationships in Nigeria.

The federal government rejected the allegations and stated that there are “existing laws against same-sex relationships” in Nigeria. It also threatened legal action against the media house.

Details later…

Dirisu Yakubu

Dirisu has over 12 years of experience in covering political parties, the National Assembly, sports, transport, etc. and is currently working with The PUNCH.

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