BY MUHAMMAD ADAMU, JULY 09, 2024 | 08:41 PM
The Nigerian House of Representatives, on Tuesday, urged the federal government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Agreement citing concerns over its "gender equality" clause.
The legislative chamber has also directed its committee on national planning to investigate the agreement within four weeks and report back for further legislative action.
The house resolution was following a motion of urgent public importance brought on the floor of the green chamber by Minority Leader Aliyu Madaki, and 87 others during plenary on Tuesday.
The motion highlighted fears that the clause could undermine national values, particularly regarding LGBT rights and Nigeria's anti-same-sex marriage laws.
The Samoa Agreement is the overarching legal framework for the European Union’s relations with 79 countries. This includes 48 African, 16 Caribbean, and 15 Pacific countries.
Last week, Daily Trust, in its lead story, alleged that the agreement contained a clause to legalise same-sex relationships in Nigeria.
Reacting, the Federal Government denied the claim, stating that Nigeria has “existing legislation against same-sex relationships.” It also threatened legal action against the media house.
Details later…
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