Samoa Deal: NBA Reacts, FG Threatens to Sue Daily Trust



The signing of the Samoa agreement has raised stirred several controversy in Nigeria raising questions as to whether LGBTQI has been legalized in the country. Several civil groups, Christian clerics, and Islamic groups in the country have also been vocal in their stance against LGBTQI - a term the Nigerian community has since dissociated itself from.



Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) reactions regarding the LGBTQI controversy.

Reacting as regards the Samoa deal and explaining its meaning and implications to Nigerians, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) disclosed that prior to the signing of the deal, a committee was set up to examine the contents of the deal. Stating that no part of the deal required Nigeria to accept LGBTQI or gay rights as a pre-condition for a $150 billion loan.



Advising the public to query newspaper and social media posts to determine its authenticity, while encouraging the role of the government in enlightening the public on the agreement.



LGBTQI banned by Goodluck's administration



The controversy as regards Nigeria's stance on same-sex marriage, a development now accepted by developed and some developing nations, didn't start today. In 2013, the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act was passed into law by the then administration imposing a sentence of 14 years on gay relationships in the country.



FG threatens to sue Daily Trust



Signed on 28 June 2024, and made public last week, the Daily Trust reported that the deal would result in the legalization of LGBTQI in Nigeria, a claim which the government has blatantly refuted.



The Federal Government has further promised to sue the media company, alleging the organization is characteristic of publishing falsehoods and hearsays.



Speaking in a media meeting in Abuja, the Information Minister, Muhammad Idris, said:



"The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has maintained an open-arm relationship with the media. It is in line with the philosophy of the President as an avowed democrat who spent a lifetime fighting for the entrenchment of democracy and human rights.



"This administration has remained very tolerant of media criticism and guaranteed citizens’ rights to freedom of expression. It is, however, disheartening that some elements are abusing this free environment guaranteed by the Government. We are alarmed by the level of reckless reporting and statements by some media organizations and individuals that border on national security and stability.



"We, however, did not envisage that Daily Trust and people behind it could descend to the reckless level of attempting to set the country on fire by falsely accusing the government of signing a deal to promote LGBTQI.



"We found that despicable and wicked because the allegation is nowhere in the document signed.



"The Federal Government is lodging a formal complaint to the NPAN ombudsman on this irresponsible reporting. In addition, the Federal Government will use every lawful means to seek redress in the court of law."