The Federal government has said that the recently signed Samoa Agreement is not in any way aimed at promoting LGBTQ or same-sex unions in the country.

Consequently, the government has been described as despicable and wicked, the media report accusing the government of signing a deal to promote LGBTQ after a series of controversies trailed the Samoa Agreement.

Briefing journalists yesterday in Abuja, Minister of the Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, observed that the issue of LGBTQ was not contained in the document signed by Nigeria, adding that the sensational media report has become a topic for khutba (sermons) by some of the misled imams.

Idris vowed that the Federal Government will lodge a formal complaint to the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) Ombudsman on the ‘irresponsible reporting’ and will use every lawful means to seek redress in the court of law.

The minister said the allegation is nowhere in the document signed, stressing that the paper put forward no evidence nor provided the agreement allegedly signed to prove their point.

“The baseless and sensational story unfortunately formed a basis for khutba (sermons) by some of our respected imams who were misled by the story thereby raising tempers,” he said

Idris noted the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu has maintained an open-arm relationship with the media, adding that it is in line with the philosophy of the President as an avowed democrat who spent a lifetime fighting for the entrenchment of democracy and human rights.

“This administration has remained very tolerant of media criticism and guaranteed citizens’ rights to freedom of expression. It is however disheartening that some elements are abusing this free environment guaranteed by the Government. We are alarmed by the level of reckless reporting and statements by some media organisations and individuals that border on national security and stability.

“While we sometimes view and treat that occasional reporting as part of the media’s normal work, we have now seen a pattern that is difficult to be wished away as mere journalism. The insidious and inciting publications by the Daily Trust these past months have come across as nothing but a deliberate effort to brush the government with tar. On many occasions, we have restrained ourselves from believing that this was the case but the consistency of the jejune and mischievous publications leaves us with no option,” Idris said

On his part, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, stated that Nigeria signed the Samoa Agreement with the European Union (EU) to boost food security and ensure inclusive economic development in the country

Bugudu observed that none of the articles of the agreement showed that Nigeria recognised Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights.

He insisted that the government cannot enter into an agreement that is against the constitution or undermines the religious and cultural sensibilities of the heterogeneous people of Nigeria.

Bugudu pointed out that the Samoa Agreement is a vital legal framework for cooperation between the OACPS and the European Union, to promote sustainable development, fight climate change and its effects, generate investment opportunities and foster collaboration among OACPS member States at the international stage.

“The EU and all its 27 Member states signed the Samoa Agreement on 15th November 2023. Out of the 79 members of the OACPS, 74 signed before the deadline of 30th June 2024. The OACPS members that are yet to sign are Equatorial Guinea (Africa) Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago (Caribbean) and Nauru and Tuvalu (Pacific),” he revealed.

The minister stated that about 200 areas of cooperation were contained in the agreement signed by Nigeria and that aside from the agreement, an implementation agreement would be signed in each of the areas of cooperation.

“When you get a copy of the agreement, you will see that this is a broad agreement. It is about education, it is about food security, it is about water and sanitation, it is about decent work, it is about demography, it is about youths, it is about culture and sustainable development, it is about inclusive economic development, it is about private sector development, it is about human rights, democracy and the rule of law, it is about good governance, public administration, personal data, peace and security.

“Each article is about an area of cooperation. We signed (an) agreement with the EU because we believe we can cooperate in these areas, and others which are about almost 200 distinct areas.”Bagudu said.

Bagudu said “about $600m worth of projects are coming under” the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme of the Federal Government.

“There was nowhere in the body of the document where you will see $150bn but these are agreements which I believe, like with other countries, define what we want to relate with those countries. The agreement provides a proviso where each country, not just Nigeria, can issue a declaration clarifying some basis on which it is signed,” he concluded.

The post Samoa Agreement not aimed at promoting LGBTQ- FG appeared first on Guardian Nigeria News.

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