The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN has expressed concern over the controversial SAMOA agreement allegedly signed by the federal government of Nigeria.
In a statement jointly signed by the CBCN President Lucius Iwejuri Ugorji and the Secretary Donatus A. Ogun and made available to The News Chronicle on Friday July 12th, the clerics called on the federal government to propose an amendment to the agreement or withdraw from it.
While highlighting the harmless outlook and the implication of signing the SAMOA agreement on the Nigerian society, the statement urged the Tinubu-led administration to withdraw from the agreement if the European Union rejects the proposed amendment adding that a precedent had already been set by South Africa which pulled out of the Cotonou agreement in 2023.
The CBCN president who doubles as the Archbishop of Owerri said the federal government should insist on a clause in the agreement that would ensure no obligation regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, comprehensive sexuality education, abortion, contraception, legalization of prostitution, same-sex marriage, or sexual rights for children.
The statement reads in parts; “Nothing in the agreement should be interpreted to include any obligations regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, comprehensive sexual education, abortion, contraception, legalization of prostitution, same sex marriage, sexual rights for children“.
The News Chronicle recalls that the Federal Government of Nigeria had signed the SAMOA Agreement which has some sections that compel underdeveloped and developing nations to support the calls by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community for recognition, as condition for getting financial and other supports from advanced societies.
