Presidency reassures Nigerians on Samoa Treaty, denies concerns over LGBTQ+ rights

Special Advisor to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the Samoa Treaty.

The statement issued on Tuesday sought to allay concerns that the agreement violates Nigerian sovereignty or LGBTQ+ rights.

Combating Misinformation:

Onanuga stressed that the “narrative” surrounding the agreement stems from “ignorance of the agreement’s contents” or “a deliberate intention to mislead the public.” He assured Nigerians that the agreement contains no provision requiring acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights, either as a condition of loans or otherwise.

Respect for Sovereignty:

Most importantly, Onanuga stressed that the agreement expressly respects “local laws and the sovereignty of the contracting states.” This signifies that the agreement recognizes existing Nigerian laws, including the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act of 2023 and the supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution.

Role of Legal Advisor:

The statement underscored the role of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in advising the government on treaties that have potential sovereignty issues. The fact that the NBA has not raised any objections indicates its confidence in the Samoa Treaty’s compatibility with Nigerian law.

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Affirming National Identity:

Onanuga concluded by reiterating that the agreement does not compromise existing laws or undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty. This assurance is aimed at addressing concerns about external influence on national identity.

The statement read, “Contrary to the narrative being spread either due to ignorance of the contents of the agreement or, a deliberate intention to mislead the public (neither of which is good), I wish to state that there is no provision in the SAMOA agreement that requires Nigeria to accept or in any way recognize LGBTQ or gay rights, either as a precondition for the $150 Billion USD loan or not at all.

“On the contrary, the treaty is expressly made subject to the local laws and sovereignty of the contracting states. In other words, the SAMOA treaty recognises, for example, Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act 2023 and of course, the Supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

“Had this not happened, the NBA would have advised the Federal Government not to enter into or engage in any form of partnership or agreement that could potentially undermine our nation’s sovereignty in any way.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the SAMOA agreement does not seek to compromise existing laws or undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.”

Onanuga’s statement may not completely quell the controversy. Opponents of the deal may continue to scrutinize its details or question the government’s interpretation.

Presidency reassures Nigerians on Samoa Treaty, refutes concerns over LGBTQ+ rights first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.