The Federal Government has announced plans to file a lawsuit against the Daily Trust newspaper over its report on the signing of the Samoa Agreement.
The agreement, which includes clauses compelling underdeveloped and developing nations to support the recognition of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community as a condition for receiving financial and other support from advanced societies, has sparked significant reactions.
Daily Trust reports that clerics, rights activists, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria are furious over the federal government’s decision to sign the controversial agreement.
Named after the Pacific island of Samoa, where it was signed, the agreement has gained traction.
In his initial reaction to the story, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information, stated that any provision in the agreement inconsistent with Nigerian laws would be invalid.
“It is instructive to note that there is an existing legislation against same-sex relationships in Nigeria enacted in 2014,” he said.
However, at a media briefing in Abuja on Saturday, Idris described the report as “baseless and sensational.”
“The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has maintained an open relationship with the media. This aligns with the philosophy of the President as an avowed democrat who has spent a lifetime fighting for the entrenchment of democracy and human rights,” he said.
“This administration has been very tolerant of media criticism and guaranteed citizens’ rights to freedom of expression. It is, however, disheartening that some elements are abusing this free environment guaranteed by the Government. We are alarmed by the level of reckless reporting and statements by some media organisations and individuals that border on national security and stability.”
“The Federal Government is lodging a formal complaint to the NPAN Ombudsman on this irresponsible reporting. In addition, the Federal Government will use every lawful means to seek redress in the court of law.”
“The Federal Government once again restates its friendly policy towards ethical media and free speech. However, we will not tolerate fake news and disinformation that could harm the peace of our country and its national security.”
The management of Media Trust, publishers of Daily Trust, has yet to respond to the government’s threat.
