Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, announced that Nigeria has signed a N150 billion Samoa agreement, sparking significant backlash against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration due to the alleged inclusion of LGBTQ clauses.
Islamic clerics, rights activists, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have vehemently rejected and condemned the agreement.
FCT, Abuja – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has faced heavy criticism for signing the controversial Samoa agreement, which allegedly requires support for the recognition of the LGBTQ community. The signing was confirmed by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, at a European Union (EU) reception in Abuja on Monday, July 1.
The Samoa agreement reportedly includes clauses related to LGBTQ support as a condition for financial and other aid from advanced societies, according to Daily Trust. However, Bagudu’s media assistant, Bolaji Adebiyi, clarified that the signed documents were strictly for Nigeria’s economic development and did not mention LGBT or same-sex marriage.
Adebiyi emphasized that the agreement was focused on a $150 billion trade component and it would be incorrect to suggest that Nigeria had accepted LGBTQ tendencies.
Islamic Groups React
Abubakar Akande, the Administrative Secretary of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), stated that the council does not support such an agreement, reaffirming their unchanged stance on same-sex marriage and LGBT issues. He emphasized that the NSCIA cannot agree to anything that goes against the teachings of Allah and disrespects Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Abdulrazaq Ajani, Ameer (leader) of the Abuja Muslim Forum (AMF), mentioned that relevant committee chairmen in the House of Representatives and legislative leaders have completely rejected the agreement. Ajani noted that African CSOs, including AMF, have discussed the agreement with top government officials and National Assembly members.
The World Council for Health (WCH) International and Foundation for African Cultural Heritage (FACH) have urged President Tinubu to rescind the agreement. Omoye Olaye, the Media Coordinator of the agency, insisted that the signatories should apologize to Nigerians and withdraw from the ACP EU Treaty.
Hon. Rabiu Yusuf, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Treaties, Protocols, and Agreements, stated that there had been no developments in the National Assembly regarding the Samoa Agreement.
Police React to LGBTQ “Of Course” Challenge Video
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has vowed to take action against individuals involved in the viral LGBTQ “Of Course” challenge video. NPF spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi condemned LGBTQ activities as unnatural offences and promised that those involved would be punished according to the law.