NBA Defends Samoa Agreement, Denies Same-Sex Marriage Clause Allegations
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) defended the Federal Government’s endorsement of the Samoa Agreement on Tuesday, asserting that the pact contains no clauses regarding same-sex marriage.
NBA President Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) addressed the controversy after the House of Representatives called for a suspension of the agreement signed on June 28, 2024. The House also resolved to investigate the agreement, which was signed on November 15, 2023, by the European Union, its member states, and the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries. The agreement aims to strengthen the EU and ACP countries' capacity to address global challenges.
A national daily recently alleged that the agreement included a clause to legalize LGBTQ relationships in Nigeria in exchange for a $150 billion loan, a claim refuted by Information Minister Mohammed Idris and Budget and Economic Planning Minister Abubakar Bagudu. Both ministers emphasized that the agreement respects Nigeria’s Same-sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2023.
Maikyau clarified that the NBA vetted the agreement and would have advised against it if any such clauses existed. He urged stakeholders to educate the public about the agreement's true contents, which focus on democracy, human rights, sustainable development, climate change, peace and security, and migration and mobility.
Despite NBA assurances, the House of Representatives directed its Committee on National Planning to investigate within four weeks. Deputy Minority Leader Aliyu Madaki and other lawmakers expressed concerns about potential clauses undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty and cultural values.
House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere and Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda called for restraint and proper legislative oversight, stressing the need for accurate information and public awareness.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga was unavailable for comment on the House resolution.
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