THE Federal Government has threatened to take legal action against Daily Trust newspapers over its publication on the Samoa agreement.
The minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who disclosed this at a press conference on Saturday, July 6 in Abuja, said the government would also file a complaint to the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) over the report he described as “fake and mischievous.”
He noted that the report has the potential to spark up religious and social tensions in the country.
Daily Trust had reported that the federal government signed the agreement with clauses requiring Nigeria to endorse the rights of Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex(LGBTQI+) people.
It also said Nigeria would collect 150 billion dollars to endorse the deal.
Samoa agreement was signed on June 28 at the Organisation of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States(OACPS) Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium.
Details of the agreement indicated that the partnership is between the European Union and its member states on one hand, and members of OACPCS on the other.
Negotiations on the agreement began in 2018, and it was signed on 15 November 2018 by all 27 EU member states and 47 of the 79 OACPS states.
The African Regional Protocol on the matter consists of two parts framework for cooperation and areas of cooperation that include inclusive and sustainable economic growth, environmental and human rights protection, among others.
Reacting to the Daily Trust’s report on the matter, the minister described it as gross falsehood.
He said it followed a pattern that Daily Trust had become used to since the Bola Tinubu administration came on board.
While noting that Mr Tinubu had maintained a good relationship with the media in line with his philosophy as an avowed democrat, he said it was “disheartening that some elements are abusing this free environment guaranteed by the government.”
The minister said that the federal government would take the matter to the NPAN Ombudsman “on this irresponsible reporting.”
He added that the federal government will also use every lawful means to seek redress in a court of law.
Idris restated the government’s friendly policy toward ethical media and free speech but warned that it would not accept fake news and disinformation that could injure the peace of the nation and hurt national security.
Nurudeen Akewushola is an investigative reporter and fact-checker with The ICIR. He believes courageous in-depth investigative reporting is the key to social justice, accountability and good governance in society. You can reach him via nyahaya@icirnigeria.org and @NurudeenAkewus1 on Twitter.
[7/7, 7:02 PM] Adiko: Why is the federal government of Nigeria denying that the Samoa agreements they signed did not include the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals
[7/7, 7:03 PM] Meta AI: The federal government of Nigeria may be denying that the Samoa Agreement includes the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals for several reasons, including:
1. Cultural and religious beliefs: Nigeria is a conservative country with strong religious and cultural beliefs that may not align with the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals.
2. Legal framework: Nigeria’s laws criminalize same-sex relationships and activities, and the government may not want to be seen as going against its own laws.
3. Political considerations: The government may be trying to avoid controversy and backlash from conservative groups and individuals who oppose LGBTQI+ rights.
4. International pressure: Nigeria may be trying to maintain a certain image internationally and avoid being seen as a country that promotes LGBTQI+ rights, which may be controversial in some regions.
5. Misinterpretation: The government may genuinely believe that the agreement does not include LGBTQI+ rights, or may be misinterpreting the language of the agreement.
It’s important to note that the Samoa Agreement is a commitment to promote and protect human rights, including the rights of vulnerable groups, and Nigeria’s denial may be seen as a lack of commitment to upholding human rights for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.