The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has come to the defense of the Federal Government’s endorsement of the Samoa Agreement, emphasizing that the agreement does not include any provisions related to same-sex marriage. This clarification follows controversy stirred by allegations in a national daily that the agreement mandated Nigeria to support LGBTQ rights in exchange for a $150 billion loan.
Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), President of the NBA, intervened in the ongoing debate after the House of Representatives called for a suspension of the agreement’s implementation pending further clarification. Maikyau clarified that the Samoa Agreement, signed on June 28, 2024, is primarily focused on enhancing cooperation between the European Union and 79 countries, including Nigeria, across various developmental sectors.
In a statement, Maikyau highlighted that the agreement respects Nigeria’s legal framework, including the Same-sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2023, and upholds the sovereignty of each contracting nation. He reiterated that the NBA, through a vetting committee chaired by Mr. Olawale Fapohunda (SAN), thoroughly reviewed the agreement and found no clauses promoting LGBTQ rights.
Maikyau emphasized the agreement’s objectives, which encompass democracy, human rights, economic growth, climate action, social development, peace, security, and migration management. He condemned the misinformation circulating about the agreement, urging for informed discussions rather than sensationalism.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has directed its Committees on National Planning, Economic Development, Justice, Treaties, Protocol, and Agreements to investigate the Samoa Agreement within four weeks. This decision followed concerns raised by legislators, including fears that certain clauses in the agreement might contradict Nigerian laws and values.
The debate within the House reflected varying perspectives, with some members challenging the validity of claims linking the agreement to LGBTQ rights, while others emphasized the need for thorough scrutiny to safeguard national interests.
In conclusion, the NBA’s stance and the House’s resolution underscore ongoing efforts to clarify the Samoa Agreement’s contents and its implications for Nigeria, emphasizing transparency, constitutional compliance, and protection of national sovereignty in international engagements.
