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By Ukamaka Okafor.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has raised concerns over the Samoa Agreement, labeling it a threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty and values.
In a statement co-signed in Owerri,Imo state by the President of CBCN, Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji, and the Secretary, Bishop Donatus Ogun, the bishops warned that the agreement, signed by Nigeria on June 28, 2024, could undermine the moral, cultural, and religious beliefs of Nigerian citizens.
The Samoa Agreement aims to strengthen economic ties between the EU and African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries, covering areas such as democracy, human rights, and sustainable economic growth.
The CBCN emphasized that while the agreement appears beneficial on the surface, it is embedded with post-modern secular ideologies that conflict with Nigerian values.
They expressed concerns that Nigeria’s civil authorities might not fully grasp the implications of the nuanced language in the document, which could threaten national sovereignty.
As spiritual leaders committed to the moral and cultural growth of the country, the Catholic Bishops, referencing the Book of Prophet Ezekiel 3:17, reiterated their role as watchmen and guides.
They noted that Nigeria initially refrained from signing the agreement in November 2023 due to concerns over language affecting sovereignty and African values but ultimately signed it shortly before the Nigeria-EU business summit on July 2, 2024.
The Bishops also highlighted specific language in the agreement promoting gender equality and sexual and reproductive health rights, which they argue could introduce contentious issues like abortion and comprehensive sexuality education that conflict with Nigerian values.
The CBCN called on the government to propose amendments to the agreement or withdraw from it,if the European Union rejects the proposed changes.
Earlier,the Federal Government, through a statement signed by Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris on July 4, 2024, had allayed the fears of the public over the agreement.
Idris clarified that Nigeria signed the Samoa Agreement at the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium, on June 28, 2024. He explained that the partnership agreement, negotiated since 2018, involves the EU and its Member States and the OACPS.
He said that the agreement comprised 103 articles, including a common foundational compact and three regional protocols addressing specific regional issues.
The federal government assured that none of the agreement’s provisions contravene Nigeria’s constitution or laws, following extensive reviews by an interministerial committee.
The minister emphasized that the agreement is a legal framework promoting sustainable development, combating climate change, generating investment opportunities, and fostering international collaboration.
He assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration would not enter into any international agreement detrimental to the country’s interests and citizens.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
