Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops and Islamic Forum Oppose Samoa Agreement
Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops and the Islamic Forum of Nigeria are standing together in opposition to the recently signed Samoa Agreement, which they believe poses a threat to the country’s sovereignty and values.
A statement issued by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) expressed concerns over the Agreement, which was agreed upon on 15 November 2023 in Apia, Samoa. The agreement, signed by the European Union and its 27 member states along with the 79 countries of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), is set to be a general legal framework for relations in the next twenty years, replacing previous pacts such as the Lomé Agreement in 1975 and the Cotonou Agreement in 2000.
The Implications of the Agreement
The Nigerian Bishops are calling on the Federal Government to propose amendments to the Agreement or even withdraw from it altogether. They believe that the Agreement, with its focus on gender equality and mainstreaming gender perspectives, includes post-modern secular ideologies that undermine the moral, cultural, and religious beliefs of Nigerian citizens. The Bishops are particularly concerned about the potential implications of the Agreement on issues such as sexual orientation, gender identity, comprehensive sexuality education, abortion, contraception, legalization of prostitution, same-sex marriage, and sexual rights for children.
Proposed Amendment
The CBCN is proposing an insertion in the Agreement to clarify that it does not include obligations regarding the aforementioned sensitive topics. They urge the Government to take action and withdraw from the Agreement if the proposed amendment is rejected by the EU. The Bishops refer to South Africa’s withdrawal from the Cotonou Agreement in 2023 as a precedent for Nigeria to follow.
Islamic Forum’s View
The Islamic Forum of Nigeria has also called on the Federal Government to withdraw from the Samoa Agreement, emphasizing the importance of consulting with the people before signing any significant treaty. They highlight the need for parents and teachers to monitor the moral upbringing of children and be cautious of their online activities, especially on social media.
It is evident that both the Catholic Bishops and the Islamic Forum are united in their stand against the Samoa Agreement, citing concerns over its potential impact on Nigeria’s sovereignty and values. The call for amendments and possible withdrawal is a clear reflection of their commitment to protecting the country’s moral, cultural, and religious heritage.
