By Milcah Tanimu
The House of Representatives has clarified that it did not ask the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Partnership Agreement. This statement came from House spokesman Hon. Akintunde Rotimi, who addressed recent claims to the contrary.
According to The Nation, Rotimi explained that the House’s actual resolution was to investigate the controversial clauses allegedly contained within the Samoa Partnership Agreement to ensure they align with constitutional provisions, existing laws, and national interests and values.
“The House’s decision followed the adoption of a Motion of Urgent National Importance titled ‘Alleged Controversial Samoa Partnership Agreement by the Federal Government,’ sponsored by House Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Aliyu Sani Madaki (NNPP, Kano) and co-sponsored by 88 lawmakers,” Rotimi stated.
The motion, which aimed to enhance food security and promote inclusive economic development, sparked significant debate in the Green Chamber. Concerns were raised about clauses purportedly mandating support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community as a condition for financial and other aid from developed nations.
Specific articles within the agreement, including Articles 2.5, 29.5, 36.2, and 88, were highlighted as potentially misaligned with Nigeria’s national interests and values, especially without a reservation clause. Rep. Aliyu Sani Madaki also raised concerns about Article 97, which asserts the supremacy of the agreement over any conflicting treaties involving EU member states or the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), potentially infringing upon Nigeria’s sovereignty.
In response, House Leader Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo) clarified that the agreement, as officially presented, does not include provisions related to a $150 billion fund or any clauses promoting LGBT rights in Nigeria, contrary to public speculation.
House Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) emphasized the importance of parliamentary oversight and transparency in treaty negotiations, citing Section 12 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates parliamentary involvement in such matters.
Rotimi concluded, “It is important to clarify that the House of Representatives did not resolve to call for the suspension of the agreement nor for the suspension of its implementation, as has been erroneously reported by some media houses.”
Instead, the House resolved to scrutinize the Samoa Partnership Agreement for any contentious clauses through legislative hearings. 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.
Reaffirming its commitment to shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy in line with national interests, the House underscored its Legislative Agenda 7 (Influencing and Directing Nigeria’s Foreign Policy) to ensure consistency and transparency in treaty ratification.
