In addition, CitizenGo Africa says that Article 36.1 on the importance of gender equality and women’s economic empowerment and Article 36.2, which commits parties to implement the Beijing Declaration and the International Conference on Population and Development, seek to impose foreign values on citizens of Africa’s most populous nation.
“Critics view these provisions as a potential gateway for the imposition of foreign ideologies and values that run counter to Nigeria’s cultural norms and sovereignty,” the activists say.
“The reference to ‘sexual and reproductive health and rights’ in these articles is particularly contentious, as it has been associated with promoting LGBT rights, sexual orientation, and gender identity, which are sensitive issues in Nigerian society,” they say.
In their petition, the CitizenGo Africa members also point out that the agreement extensively mentions human rights but needs to offer clear definitions for what these rights entail.
They say the ambiguity in elaborating on the rights therein “has raised suspicions about the underlying intentions of the agreement and its potential implications for the legal and social landscape of Nigeria.”
“Critics argue that the vague language used in the agreement leaves room for interpretation that could result in the infringement of fundamental rights and values enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights instruments,” they say.
CitizenGo Africa says the pressure from European countries on Nigeria to sign the Samoa agreement has been seen as a form of neo-colonialism.
“The attempt to coerce Nigeria into agreeing to terms at odds with its cultural beliefs and legal framework has been met with resistance from those who advocate for the protection of Nigerian identity and autonomy,” the Catholic activists say in their petition.
“The refusal to bow to external pressure and prioritize the preservation of Nigerian sovereignty has emerged as a central argument in favor of withdrawing from the Samoa agreement,” they say.
This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.
Credit: Source link
