Suspend The Samoa Agreement: Lawmakers urge FG

Members of the Nigerian House of Representatives have called on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the recently signed Samoa Agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Concerns over LGBTQ+ Rights on the Samoa Agreement

The lawmakers expressed concerns that the agreement may contain provisions that could undermine Nigeria’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights. They argued that the agreement should be thoroughly reviewed to ensure it does not conflict with the country’s laws and cultural values.

Calls for Transparency and Consultation

The representatives demanded that the government provide more transparency regarding the details of the Samoa Agreement and engage in wider consultations with relevant stakeholders before proceeding with its implementation. They emphasized the need to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty and the interests of its citizens.

NBA President’s Clarification of the Samoa Agreement

In a separate development, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Maikyau, has clarified that the Samoa Agreement, a recent accord between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, does not include provisions for the acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights in Nigeria. 

Maikyau made this statement during a recent interview, emphasizing that the agreement does not contain any clauses that would mandate Nigeria to recognize or accept LGBTQ+ rights. This clarification comes amid growing concerns about the potential impact of international agreements on Nigeria’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues. 

The Samoa Agreement, signed on April 12, 2023, aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and the UK, particularly in areas such as trade, security, and economic cooperation. Despite the agreement’s focus on these key areas, it does not address LGBTQ+ rights, which remain a sensitive and contentious issue in Nigeria. 

Maikyau’s statement underscores the NBA’s position on the matter, which aligns with the Nigerian government’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues. The country has historically been vocal about its opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, and this agreement does not change that stance. 

The clarification by Maikyau serves to reassure Nigerians that the Samoa Agreement will not compromise the country’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights, which remains a significant aspect of the nation’s cultural and religious values.

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