AS the controversy over the Samoa Agreement rages, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has clarified that the agreement respects Nigeria’s local laws and sovereignty, including the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2023 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, in a statement, added that the agreement does not impose LGBTQ rights as a prerequisite for Nigeria’s acceptance of a $150billion loan.
Maikyau said if the agreement had mandated acceptance of LGBT rights, the association would have advised against such terms to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty, stressing that the Samoa Agreement did not compromise existing legislations or undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“Instead, the Agreement was expressly made subject to the local laws and the sovereignty of the contracting Nations. That is to say, the Samoa Agreement recognises, for instance, 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).”
The NBA called for continued public enlightenment to counteract negative perceptions surrounding the Agreement, urging government and stakeholders to join in the effort.
Recall that before signing the Agreement, which covers areas, such as democracy, human rights, economic growth, climate change, social development, peace, security and migration, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Atiku Bagudu, had sought the NBA’s review, leading to the constitution of a committee, chaired by Mr. Olawale Fapohunda (SAN), to evaluate and advise on the Agreement.
