On Tuesday, the House of Representatives urged the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Agreement due to concerns over an alleged clause pertaining to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) issues.
In response, the legislative chamber directed its Committee on National Planning to investigate the agreement within four weeks and report back for further legislative action.
The House resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance presented by the Minority Leader, Aliyu Madaki, along with 87 other members during the Tuesday plenary session.
The Samoa Agreement serves as the overarching legal framework for the European Union’s relations with 79 countries, including 48 African, 16 Caribbean, and 15 Pacific countries.
Last week, a national daily (not The PUNCH), in its lead story, alleged that the agreement contained a clause that would legalize same-sex relationships in Nigeria.
Reacting to these claims, the Federal Government denied the allegation, emphasizing that Nigeria has “existing legislation against same-sex relationships.” The government also threatened legal action against the media house that published the report.
Further details will be provided as the situation develops.
