Nigerians, particularly on social media, have kicked against signing of the Samoa agreement by the government of President Bola Tinubu.
The agreement, which has some clauses that compel underdeveloped and developing nations to support the agitations by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community for recognition, as a condition for getting financial and other support from advanced societies, has sparked a chain of reactions.
Daily Trust reports that some clerics, rights activists, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria are furious over the decision of the federal government to sign the controversial agreement.
Named after the Pacific Island Samoa, where it was signed, the agreement is gradually gaining traction, despite opposition by many countries that cherish Islamic and Christianity values, in addition to the sensitivity of their cultures.
Defending government’s action in a statement late Thursday, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information, said the agreement was done in Nigeria’s interest.
He said Nigeria’s endorsement was accompanied by a Statement of Declaration clarifying its understanding and context of the Agreement within its jurisdiction to the effect that any provision that is inconsistent with the laws of Nigeria shall be invalid.
“It is instructive to note that there is an existing legislation against same sex relationship in Nigeria enacted in 2014,” the minister said.
Daily Trust reports that it was former President Jonathan who, in January 2014, signed into law a bill that criminalises same sex relationships, defying western pressure over gay rights and provoking United States criticism.
The law contains penalties of up to 14 years in prison and bans gay marriage, same sex ‘amorous relationships’ and membership of gay rights groups.
Meanwhile, below are some comments of Nigerians on the Samoa agreement.
Writing from Abuja, Mallam Abdulkarim Muhammad Abdullahi, said: “To hell with the American Pentagon-funded conspiratorial CIA-FBI treacherous anti-muslim monetised homosexual cult project!
“We as true believers in Islam, Allah’s ordained and divine faith, cannot be compromised because we are worshippers of Allah Ubangji SWT alone, like all our Prophets and nobody is a greater role model than All our Prophets in the Holy Qur’an!
“This is the end of the road for the implementation of the controversial Satanic American Pentagon-instigated Samoa Deal.
“To hell with America and those who believe in promoting their LGBTQ experimental lifestyles fan zone therapy here in Nigeria.”
On X, formerly Twitter, Abdul-Aziz Na’ibi Abubakar, writing via @jrnaib2, said: “To my fellow Muslims, those who were deceived to vote for the Muslim-Muslim Ticket thinking that Tinubu & Shettima will emulate Islamic style of leadership, look at where we’re today!
“We will now sit back, fingers crossed, and watch whether the clerics that promoted Muslim Muslim Ticket will come out and condemn Tinubu or not. Elections have consequences!”
@philipmuyiwa_A said: “This government has been so controversial. It’s shameful.”
@MA_Iliasu wrote: “Bola Tinubu, Abubakar Bagudu and Yusuf Takai have questions to answer. What the actual hell is wrong with this nauseating government? One disaster after the other, not one good thing that can trigger a sigh of relief.”
@AbdullahiAmiga: “I don’t know what a Samoa deal is, but hearing LGBT in a country governed by “Muslim-Muslim” is dishonourable, disgraceful and shameful.”
@KenWiwa4: “A government that is driven by lust for money will accede to any evil to get money. The government knows that there are articles in this agreement that promote LGBTQ but has considered cash more than values or principles. Goes to show the very unprincipled leaders in power.”
On Facebook, Abubakar Isah Bichi said: “Stop this madness, our leaders! We’ll never let you sell out our values and culture. If you proceed, we’ll demand a coup or even a revolution. We won’t stand by and watch our heritage be destroyed by this agreement. Listen to our voices and put Nigeria first.”
Emmanuel Enoffman wrote: “I knew long ago that the way our leaders love to borrow money from super-rich nations they will one day use it against us to promote their evil deeds.”
Reuben Gojeh: “And this is the only thing that the so-called law wants to copy from developed nations? Are we not supposed to have our differences no matter what? We are Africans, known for norms, culture, traditions, sanity, and above all people who are worshipers.”
Ibrahim Musa: “I think it’s time, we Nigeria should take action against this government, we have to copy KENYA.”
Hassan Yahaya: “I thought such sensitive agreements and decisions that affect our religious and cultural lives are supposed to be dialogue before being signed. With this singular act, it shows the government is only interested in money and what the West wants just to please the international community at the expense of its citizens.”
On Instagram, @lawal_dalhat_ simply asked: “What kind of mindset do our leaders have?”
@shaggyg9: “Wallahi we can’t find it right until we visit the grave and may Almighty Allah have mercy upon Us aamin ya Rabbi”
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