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Samoa Agreement: NBA Speaks On Alleged LGBT Clauses

              Yakubu Maikyau

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reacted to the alleged Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) clauses contained in the Samoa Agreement. 

New Rider reports that the $150 billion agreement attracted widespread condemnation via Social Media on July 2, 2024, when a Lagos-based lawyer, Sonnie Ekwowusi kicked against the LGBT clauses. 

In the report, Ekwowusi had directed Nigeria to unsign the dreaded and devious Samoa agreement signed on behalf of the Federal Government by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu alongside other officials.  

Ekwowusi said: "The Samoa Agreement, named after the Pacific Island, Samoa, where it was signed on November 15, 2023 is a celebration of perversity. Certain Articles of the Agreement especially Articles 2.5 and 29.5 legalise LGBT, transgenderism, abortion, teen sexual abuse, and perversity in African countries. 

"The signing of the Agreement by Nigeria constitutes a threat to the sovereignty of Nigeria and Africa. It further debases our democracy. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu disclosed at a reception organised by the European Union in Enugu that Nigeria has signed the Samoa Agreement."

But NBA president, Yakubu Maikyau described the agreement as a framework of ideas, adding that NBA had the privilege of reviewing the agreement before the Nigerian government signed it.

He noted that there is no provision in the Samoa Agreement requiring Nigeria to accept or recognise LGBT rights, as Nigeria has a law that criminalises same-sex relationships.

The NBA president pointed out that the agreement respects the local laws and sovereignty of the contracting nations, saying that it acknowledges Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2023, and the supremacy of the Nigerian constitution.

He added: "If the claims made in some newspaper publications were accurate, the NBA would have advised the Federal Government against entering any partnership or agreement that could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty. The Samoa Agreement does not compromise existing legislation or undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.

"Prior to signing the Samoa Agreement, the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning requested the NBA, as a significant stakeholder, to scrutinise the agreement. Consequently, I formed a committee chaired by Mr Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ekiti State and Chairman of the NBA Law Reform Committee to vet, evaluate, and advise on the agreement."

Maikyau condemned the negative narratives about the agreement, just as he advised the public to verify newspapers and social media reports to ensure their authenticity.

He pleaded with the government to continuously enlighten Nigerians, noting that other stakeholders should join in countering the negative perception of the agreement.

Maikyau pledged the NBA’s commitment in ensuring that government actions are people-focused and that the integrity of Nigeria’s sovereignty is not compromised.

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