Ignore Media Reports, We Didn’t Ask FG To Suspend Implementation Of Samoa Partnership Agreement-House Of Reps
The House of Representatives has urged members of the public to ignore media reports claiming that the Federal Government has been directed to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Partnership Agreement.
Team@orientactualmags.com learned that spokesman for the House of Representatives, Hon Akin Rotimi, who made this clarification on Wednesday, submitted that contrary to media reports, the parliament had only taken a decision to investigate controversial clauses in the agreement to ensure that they do not violate the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Rotimi, who represents Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency, Ekiti state, added that the House of Representatives had also urged the government to engage in wide consultations and hold stakeholder engagement concerning the agreement.
‘During the floor debate, concerns were raised regarding alleged clauses purportedly mandating support for the Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, and Transgender community as a prerequisite for financial and other aid from developed nations.
Additionally, apprehensions were expressed about several specific articles within the agreement, including Articles 2.5, 29.5, 36.2, and 88, which some lawmakers believe may not align with Nigeria’s national interests and values, especially in the absence of a reservation clause.
Rep Aliyu Sani Madaki had argued that Article 97 of the agreement, which asserts the supremacy of the agreement over any conflicting treaties involving European Union member states or the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States, potentially infringes upon Nigeria’s sovereignty.
In response, House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo) clarified that the agreement, as officially presented, does not include provisions relating to a $150bn fund or any clauses promoting LGBT rights in Nigeria, contrary to public speculation.
Emphasizing the importance of parliamentary oversight, House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) underscored the need for transparency in treaty negotiations, citing Section 12 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended), which mandates parliamentary involvement in such matters’ Rep Rotimi said.
The federal lawmaker also clarified and asserted that the House of Representatives did not call for the suspension of the implementation of the agreements in question.
‘It is important to clarify that the House of Representatives did not resolve to call for the suspension of the agreement nor the suspension of its implementation, as has been erroneously reported by some media houses.
Instead, the House resolved to thoroughly scrutinize the Samoa Partnership Agreement for all contentious clauses through legislative hearings.
Furthermore, the House mandated its Committees on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements; Justice; and National Planning and Economic Development to engage with relevant stakeholders to address any ambiguities in the agreement. The committees are expected to report back to parliament within four weeks.
In reaffirming its commitment to shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy in line with national interests, the House emphasized its Legislative Agenda 7 (Influencing and Directing Nigeria’s Foreign Policy) to harmonize constitutional requirements with the Treaty Ratification Act for consistency and transparency’ he added.
Recall that the Samoa Agreement which was signed on November 15, 2023, had established a new legal framework for the European Union’s relations with 79 African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries, including 48 African, 16 Caribbean, and 15 Pacific nations.Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
