Nigeria’s House of Representatives calls on the federal government to suspend implementation of the Samoa Agreement

The House of Representatives has called for the suspension of the implementation of the Samoa Agreement, which the federal government signed on June 28.

This decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Sani Madaki, the Minority Whip, and 87 other lawmakers.

While presenting the motion, Madaki argued that the agreement violates the country’s laws on LGBTQ issues and same-sex marriage. Ghali Tijani of Kano seconded the motion and urged the House of Representatives to reject the Samoa agreement entirely.

Bello Kumo, the Majority Whip, suggested that the federal government should withdraw the signature and apologise to Nigerians.

Kingsley Chinda, the minority leader and co-signer of the motion, stressed that the motion was not about approving or condemning the agreement, but rather calling for an investigation. He noted that lawmakers were not adequately informed or involved before the agreement was signed.

Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere tried to reassure his colleagues that there was no section in the agreement supporting LGBTQ rights, but his statement was interrupted by other MPs who shouted “no.”

The Samoa Agreement has recently sparked controversy over reports that it contains provisions on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights. These reports claimed that the agreement would oblige developing countries to support LGBTQ agendas.

However, these claims have been proven to be false.

Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, clarified that the federal government had ensured that the agreement did not violate the 1999 Constitution (as amended) or other existing laws.

He explained that the agreement focuses exclusively on economic development and contains no provisions on same-sex marriage.

Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi

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