By John Ogunsemore
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has advised the Federal Government to withdraw from the controversial $150 billion Samoa Agreement.
Describing the ratification of the agreement by Nigeria as a treacherous move and a betrayal of the Nigerian people’s trust and values, the opposition party urged the National Assembly to invite the Nigerian officials involved to explain their actions.
The Samoa Agreement which was signed on November 15, 2023, is named after the Pacific Island Samoa, where it was signed.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu confirmed the ratification of the deal by Nigeria during a reception organised by the European Union (EU) in Abuja on Monday, July 1, Daily Trust reports.
Nigeria’s ratification of the deal has irked a cross-section of religious leaders, civil society organisations and rights groups, especially as the agreement reportedly contains certain clauses that compel developing nations to support the agitations by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community for recognition, as a condition for getting financial and other supports from developed nations.
The PRP’s reaction to the controversy is contained in a statement issued by the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq.
The party said it was shocked and outraged by the recent signing of the Samoa Agreement by the Nigerian government.
“This treacherous move is a betrayal of the Nigerian people’s trust and values, and we demand that the government immediately withdraw from this agreement.
“The Samoa Agreement, signed on November 15, 2023, in Samoa, is a celebration of perversity and a threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty. Articles 2.5 and 29.5 of the Agreement legalize LGBT, transgenderism, abortion, teen sexual abuse, and perversity in African countries.
“We cannot understand why Nigerian officials who signed the Agreement do not understand its implications for our nation’s values and way of life.
“This Agreement is a product of European Union (EU) pressure and coercion, with threats of economic sanctions and denial of funding for countries that refuse to sign. We reject this form of bullying and intimidation, which is a clear violation of our sovereignty.
“We are amazed that the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, sees nothing amiss in disclosing on Monday that Nigeria has signed the Samoa Agreement without consulting the people or understanding its implications.
“We demand that he explains why Nigeria was coerced into signing an agreement that goes against our values and laws.
“We recall that Nigeria was among 35 African countries that refused to sign the Agreement on November 15, 2023. Why did we change our stance and sign the Agreement? What concessions were made to compromise our values? The people of Nigeria have a right to know the truth.
“The EU’s threat to deny funding and impose economic sanctions on countries that do not sign the Agreement is a clear attempt to undermine our democracy and values. We reject this threat and demand that our government stand firm against foreign interference.
“We urge the National Assembly to invite the Nigerian officials who signed the Agreement to explain their actions. We also demand that our government withdraw from the Samoa Agreement immediately and take steps to protect our sovereignty and values.
“The PRP will continue to fight for democracy, personal liberty, and human dignity. We will not stand idly by while our values are eroded by foreign influence and corruption.
“We demand a better future for Nigeria, built on the principles of justice, equality, and fairness,” the statement reads.
