The Federal Government has announced its intention to file a lawsuit against the Daily Trust newspaper over its report on the signing of the Samoa Agreement. This agreement includes clauses that compel underdeveloped and developing nations to support the LGBTQ+ community’s recognition as a condition for receiving financial and other support from advanced societies, sparking widespread reactions.
Daily Trust reported that clerics, rights activists, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria are furious over the federal government’s decision to sign the controversial agreement. Named after the Pacific Island Samoa, where it was signed, the agreement has gained traction. In his initial response, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris stated that any provision in the agreement inconsistent with Nigerian laws would be invalid. He emphasized, “It is instructive to note that there is an existing legislation against same-sex relationships in Nigeria enacted in 2014.”
However, during a media briefing in Abuja on Saturday, Idris described the Daily Trust report as “baseless and sensational.” He remarked, “The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has maintained an open-arm relationship with the media, in line with the President’s philosophy as an avowed democrat who spent a lifetime fighting for the entrenchment of democracy and human rights.”
Idris expressed concern over what he termed reckless reporting, stating, “This administration has remained 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 organizations and individuals that border on national security and stability.”
The government plans to lodge a formal complaint with the NPAN Ombudsman regarding the alleged irresponsible reporting and intends to seek redress through lawful means. Idris reiterated, “The Federal Government once again restates its friendly policy towards ethical media and free speech. We would, however, not take fake news and disinformation that would injure the peace of our country and its national security lightly.”
The management of Media Trust, publishers of Daily Trust, has not yet responded to the government’s threat.