- The Federal Government signed the Samoa Agreement on June 28
- Some allegations were raised that the treaty requires Nigeria to adopt LGBTQ rights
- Nigerians reacted massively to the agreement, with many standing against it
The Nigerian government signed the $150 billion Samoa Agreement on June 28. This international treaty aims to foster cooperation and mutual development between 79 countries, including 47 African countries, 16 Caribbean and 15 Pacific countries and the Republic of Maldives.
One of the most controversial aspects of the agreement is its inclusion of LGBTQ-related requirements. As part of the treaty, Nigeria is allegedly expected to adopt certain policies promoting the rights and protection of LGBTQ individuals.
Recall Nigeria has an existing law that criminalises same-sex relationships, gay marriage and membership of gay rights groups.
This agreement has become a topic of intense debate and opposition among Nigerians. Many people seem to be kicking against the agreement, saying that the acceptance of LGBTQ is against our religions and culture.
Many religious leaders and groups have also kicked against the agreement, declaring their stand against the deal.
Some people who are in support of the present administration have expressed regret while lamenting that they were scammed as they did not expect that a Muslim-Muslim presidency would sign something so abominable into law.
Others who are not in support of the present administration have mocked their fellow BATists, and some welcomed the LGBTQ development out of spite.
Here are comments from Nigerians on social media.
Nigerians’ comments on the Samoa-agreement
@RealDreylo posted: “Welcome to the new Nigeria proudly sponsored by Muslim Muslim government. Engineered by LGBTQ.”
@ukatcher posted: “Under a Muslim Muslim administration we read in the news that Nigeria has signed an agreement on the rights of LGBTQ in Nigeria. BAT administration is a mistake and we are all responsible for this.”
@PenAbdull posted: “The campaign against LGBTQ is a campaign against satanism and immorality. Humans must live as humans and not otherwise.”
@Mrs_Umdazz posted: “Nigeria have now legalized LGBTQ under a Muslim muslim ticket! What a time to be alive hmmmm!”
@ChiduObodo posted: “Congratulations to Arewa Muslims and Muslim Muslim presidency supporters. Y'all finally did what no Christian would have done.”
@AmdarElensar posted: “The document does not explicitly mention LGBTQ rights or issues. It focuses primarily on gender equality with an emphasis on women's and girls' rights and empowerment.”
@SirDavidBent posted: “Funny how President Goodluck Jonathan fought hard to illegalize LGBTQ in Nigeria, but Tinubu and Shettima (Muslim Muslim) folks that y'all rigged for have signed a deal to legalize it. No, the issue here is not about whether they like the LGBTQ community or not. The main factor here is MONEY. And Nigeria is so broke that they need every penny and grant they can get. Even if it means legalizing homosexuality & sodomy. BTW, it's just more money for them to siphon and steal. Vote with your senses next time and not your emotions. END.”
@ugo_himself posted: “Vote with your senses next time and not your emotions’ I doubt if this can work sha. Election period rice and Maggi will be shared around influencers will collect money to push tribalism alot of distraction will happen then and boom everything will remain the same. Like the senate president said by the time they are done with the country you won't recognise it again.”
A former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, @ShehuSani posted: “African states should not accept loans or grants from any country,group of countries or international institutions that came with demonic conditions antithetical to our culture,religious faiths and values.All African countries including Nigeria who appended their signatures should go back and ‘unsign’ the Samoa agreement.”
@Waspapping_ posted: “The legalization of LGBTQ in Nigeria will be a powerful campaign weapon for the opposition to use against BAT and the APC in 2027, especially in the North. It seems these people don't understand how much disda¡n the North has for anything related to LGBTQ.”
@TahirTalba posted: “In Nigeria, gay marriage is banned, and that ban is backed by law. Has it been changed or repealed? No! As long as the law still stands and is valid, then that ends the discussion. Nigeria, its laws, and an overwhelming majority of its people do not support LGBTQ.”
@General_Oluchi posted: “History was made today as BATidiots dropped their hatred to embrace LGBTQ for Tinubu. We are making progress small small…”
@MFaarees_ posted: “Goodluck Jonathan signed anti-gay & any LGBT stuff bill into law in 2014, the US & other western countries criticized him but he didn't back down, and today we're seeing a President who became President only through the influence of Islam trying to legalise LGBTQ in Nigeria!”
@kunmydrey posted: “I would love to sponsor a LGBTQ flag to be flown over National Mosque, Abuja, Nigeria. Let us celebrate the New deal that was signed by the Muslim-Muslim ticket. Our Muslim brothers did well by bringing LGBTQ to Nigeria. Love Wins.”
Federal Government reacts to New York Times report on Nigeria's economy
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the report done by the New York Times publication, which analysed Nigeria's dire socio-economic conditions, provoked the Federal Government but impressed the citizens.
According to the report, Nigerians were experiencing the worst economic crisis in decades. Prices of food, medicine, and petrol were too high for many to afford, and the government made it difficult for businesses to operate.