$150bn Samoa Agreement Unrelated to Gay Rights— FG
Federal Government of Nigeria has debunked a report claiming that the Samoa partnership agreement endorses LGBTQ+ rights and attracts a $150 billion investment. Minister Atiku Bagudu clarified that the agreement focuses on economic development, security, and environmental protection, and aligns with Nigeria's laws and constitution.
The Federal Government has debunked a newspaper report claiming that the Samoa partnership agreement signed on June 28 endorses the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria. The government also rejected claims that Nigeria would receive $150 billion for entering into the deal.
At a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, Minister of Budget and Planning, Mr. Atiku Bagudu, clarified the government's position on the matter. He was joined by his counterpart, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who also reacted to the report by a national daily.
A recent report by a medium falsely claimed that the Federal Government of Nigeria signed an agreement containing clauses that require the country to endorse the rights of LGBTQ individuals. The report also erroneously stated that Nigeria would receive $150 billion as a result of endorsing the deal.
The medium's report has since been debunked by the Federal Government, which clarified that the Samoa partnership agreement signed on June 28 has no such clauses and does not involve any financial gain. The government has reiterated its stance on the matter, dismissing the report as false and misleading.
The minister, joined by his counterpart, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, held a press conference to address and refute a misleading report published by a national daily newspaper.
The report falsely alleged that the Federal Government had entered into an agreement containing clauses that would compel Nigeria to support and recognize the rights of LGBTQI individuals.
A recent report has sparked widespread tension, igniting social, religious, and cultural debates. The allegations have become a central theme in sermons across mosques and churches, fueling heated discussions and concerns among the faithful.
According to the minister, the Samoa agreement, signed on June 28 at the Organisation of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium, is a partnership aimed at promoting cooperation between the European Union and its member states, and the member states of OACPS. The minister's clarification sought to dispel the misconceptions and misinformation spread by the report.
The African Regional Protocol is divided into two key components: a framework for cooperation and specific areas of cooperation. These areas include sustainable economic growth, environmental protection, human rights, and other crucial sectors.
Minister Atiku Bagudu categorically denied the medium's report, stating that it was entirely false and lacked any shred of truth. He reaffirmed that the agreement does not contain any clauses related to LGBTQI rights, contradicting the medium's misleading claims.
Minister Atiku Bagudu further clarified that the agreement made no mention of LGBTQ+ rights or any related activities, dismissing the medium's claims as baseless.
He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu, a proud Nigerian, would never sign any document that contradicts the country's laws and constitution. The minister assured that the agreement aims to promote cooperation between the European Union's 27 member states and the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) comprising 79 nations, fostering economic growth and development.
“The partnership is about trade agreements, human rights and environmental promotion,” he enthused.
According to Minister Atiku Bagudu, Nigeria signed the agreement only after rigorous reviews and consultations by an interministerial committee comprising the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Justice.
He emphasized that Nigeria explicitly stated that any provision inconsistent with the country's laws would be considered null and void. This stance, he clarified, is the government's definitive position on the issue of same-sex marriage, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
“There is an existing law against that since 2014.
“It is necessary to assure Nigerians that Tinubu's administration, being a rule-based government, will not enter Into any international agreement that will be detrimental to the interest of the country and its citizens,” he said.
Minister Atiku Bagudu highlighted that Nigeria has entered into numerous agreements in the past, many of which have yielded significant benefits for the country in areas such as water, sanitation, education, and agriculture, among others.
He emphasized that the Samoa agreement is specifically focused on addressing key areas of mutual interest, including economic development, security, environmental protection, migration, mobility, and climate change, with the aim of promoting sustainable growth and cooperation between nations.
The minister further elaborated that the agreement also encompasses investment opportunities, sustainable development, and mutually beneficial cooperation, among other areas, aimed at fostering economic growth and collaboration between nations.
He reiterated that none of the agreement's articles support or promote the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, and that every aspect of the signed agreement aligns with Nigeria's laws and constitution, ensuring that the country's values and legal framework are respected and upheld.
“President Tinubu is non-apologetic about his respect for our diversities and wouldn't want to do anything that will hurt anyone.
“President Tinubu did not authorise any agreement that can undermine our constitution or laws.
“We are always conscious of our sovereignty; we respect our two religions,” he declared.
Minister Atiku Bagudu appealed to the media to prioritize truthfulness and patriotism in their reporting, recognizing the crucial role they play in safeguarding national interests.
He cautioned that development partners and international organizations also closely monitor media reports, and therefore, responsible and accurate reporting is essential to maintain Nigeria's reputation and foster constructive partnerships.
“Let us not ridicule ourselves and scare international investors. Nigerians should be allowed to know the truth,” he said.
The minister urged the media to acknowledge the efforts of hardworking Nigerians who are instrumental in attracting foreign investments, securing international support, and fostering global cooperation, and to report responsibly to promote the nation's interests.
“We should not undermine their efforts and discourage them from putting in their best for the nation,” he said.
(NAN)
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