The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu will not enter into any international agreement that would be detrimental to the country’s interest.
In a press statement on Thursday, the minister admitted that Nigeria recently signed an international agreement, the Samoa Agreement at the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium, noting that partnership agreement is between the EU and its member states, on one hand, and the members of the OACPS on the other.
Daily Trust had reported that the agreement reportedly has some clauses that compel underdeveloped and developing nations to support the agitations by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community for recognition, as condition for getting financial and other supports from advanced societies.
Named after the Pacific Island Samoa, where it was signed, the agreement is gradually gaining traction, despite opposition by many countries that cherish Islamic and Christianity values, in addition to the sensitivity of their cultures.
Reacting to the report, the Minister of Information said, “Nigeria’s endorsement was accompanied by a statement of declaration, dated 26th June 2024, clarifying its understanding and context of the agreement within its jurisdiction to the effect that any provision that is inconsistent with the laws of Nigeria shall be invalid.
“It is instructive to note that there is an existing legislation against the same sex relationship in Nigeria enacted in 2014.
“It is necessary to assure Nigerians that the President Bola Tinubu Administration, being a rule-based government will not enter into any international agreement that will be detrimental to the interest of the country and its citizens.
“In negotiating the agreement, our officials strictly followed the mandates exchanged in 2018 between the EU and the OACPS for the process.”
