• Contrary to reports in some media outlets, the new Samoa Agreement recently signed by Nigeria contains no LGBT clauses
The recent friction between the Nigerian government and one of the country’s leading newspapers, Daily Trust, has sent ripples through the media and political landscape. The controversy centres on the Samoa Agreement, an obscure but evidently significant international arrangement, which Daily Trust reported on in a manner the government claims is misleading and damaging. This development raises pertinent questions about press freedom, government transparency and the role of the media in a democratic society.
The Samoa Agreement, while not widely known to the general public, involves international cooperation in areas such as climate change, sustainable development, and trade. Signed by a coalition of countries including Nigeria, it aims to foster collaboration in tackling global challenges. The Samoa Agreement, formally known as the Samoa Natural Resource Management and Trade Agreement (SNRMTA), was established to create a framework for the sustainable management and equitable distribution of natural resources among its signatories. The agreement’s primary objectives include promoting environmental conservation, ensuring fair trade practices, and fostering international cooperation in resource management. While the intentions behind the Samoa Agreement are commendable, its implementation has been fraught with challenges and controversies.
Daily Trust published a piece alleging that the Nigerian government’s involvement in the Samoa Agreement could have far-reaching negative implications for the country’s sovereignty and economic independence. The report suggested that certain clauses in the agreement might compel Nigeria to make concessions detrimental to its national interests, particularly in areas of environmental regulation and trade policies. The article quoted anonymous sources within the government and international bodies, insinuating that the agreement was pushed through with little public consultation or parliamentary scrutiny. Daily Trust’s tone was unequivocally critical, painting a picture of a government potentially compromising national interests in the guise of international cooperation. In response, the Nigerian government issued a stern rebuttal, accusing Daily Trust of misrepresentation and sensationalism. The government asserted that the Samoa Agreement is a benign and beneficial accord aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s participation in global initiatives addressing climate change and sustainable development.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, led the charge, condemning the article as “reckless journalism” that could harm Nigeria’s international standing and investor confidence. He emphasised that the government had followed all due processes in signing the agreement and that the claims made by Daily Trust were unfounded and malicious.
At a press conference in Abuja last Saturday, Idris said the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has maintained an open arm relationship with the media. It is in line with the philosophy of the President as an avowed democrat who spent a lifetime fighting for the entrenchment of democracy and human rights.
“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 organisations and individuals that border on national security and stability.
“While we sometimes view and treat those occasional reporting as part of media’s normal work, we have now seen a pattern that is difficult to be wished away as normal journalism. The insidious and inciting publications by the Daily Trust these past months have come across as nothing but a deliberate effort to brush the government with a tar. On many occasions we have restrained ourselves from believing that this was the case but the consistency of the jejune and mischievous publications leaves us with no option.
“In the aftermath of the coup in Niger Republic, Daily Trust championed a jaundiced narrative that the Federal Government was driving the country into a war and twisted it with regional sentiment to cause disaffection. The same newspaper gave a banner headline to a baseless accusation that the Government was working on citing foreign military bases in the country. Neither Daily Trust nor originators of that imaginative allegation provided any shred of evidence.
“Then, just two weeks ago, Daily Trust concocted and popularised a lie that the Federal Government had renamed the Murtala Mohammed Expressway in Abuja to Wole Soyinka Way. In all those instances all that the paper depended on were falsehood and hearsays. They also showed no remorse or the humility to recant.
“We, however, did not envisage that Daily Trust and people behind it could descend to the reckless level of attempting to set the country on fire by falsely accusing the government of signing a deal to promote LGBTQ. We found that despicable and wicked because the allegation is nowhere in the document signed. Surprisingly, the paper put forward no evidence nor provided the agreement allegedly signed to prove their point.
“The baseless and sensational story unfortunately formed a basis for khutba (sermons) by some of our respected imams who were misled by the story thereby raising tempers. On the part of the Government, we continue on the honourable path of civility by restraining ourselves from taking self-help or draconian measures. While past governments clamped down on the media for infractions much lower than this, we are, however, toeing the path of civility and the rule of law.
“But, beyond this, the Federal Government is lodging a formal complaint to the NPAN Ombudsman on this irresponsible reporting. In addition, the Federal Government will use every lawful means to seek redress in the court of law. 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,” he said.
After fact-checking the Samoa Agreement signed by Nigeria, Premium Times found that the Daily Trust’s report, which was based on an opinion article by Lagos-based lawyer Sonnie Ekwowusi, was amplified by other news platforms such as BusinessDay, Vanguard and TheCable. These reports sparked a backlash against the Federal Government; with critics accusing it of compromising the country’s moral values in exchange for Western loans.
Premium Times’ review of the 172-page document revealed that Ekwowusi’s claims, which formed the basis of the newspaper’s report, were false. Specifically, the lawyer misinterpreted Article 29.5, which states, “The Parties shall support universal access to sexual and reproductive health commodities and healthcare services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes.” Contrary to the lawyer’s assertions and the amplified media reports, there is no mention of LGBTQ issues in this article.
The reviewed document and EU press statements clarify that the Samoa Agreement focuses on addressing global challenges. Its objectives include contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. In conclusion, Premium Times found that there are no LGBTQ clauses in the Samoa Agreement recently signed by Nigeria. The Daily Trust report failed to present any clause in the agreement that mandates LGBTQ rights, relying instead on the opinion of Mr. Ekwowusi. This was despite the administrative secretary of the NSCIA stating that the council did not find any mention of same-sex marriage in the draft shared by the government before signing the agreement.
Also, in his analysis of the controversies surrounding the Samoa Agreement, Farooq A. Kperogi criticised the Daily Trust for its journalistic shortcomings. Kperogi pointed out that the newspaper failed to cite the specific portion of the agreement mandating Nigeria to change its laws to accommodate LGBTQ-friendly policies. Instead, it based its headline and entire story on an unnamed report without providing evidence from the report itself. The paper then sought out individuals who would express outrage over this unverified information, thereby creating a self-reinforcing loop of misinformation, Kperogi explained in his column.
According to Kperogi, the Daily Trust’s actions exemplify circular reporting.
“Circular reporting, also known as false confirmation, occurs when a source fabricates a piece of information, disseminates it through multiple sources via interviews, and then presents the views of the interviewees as the original source of the information. Essentially, it involves creating something from nothing,” he wrote.
Press freedom and democratic values
This episode has sparked a broader debate about the state of press freedom in Nigeria. The country’s media landscape is vibrant but has often faced challenges, including censorship, harassment of journalists, and financial constraints. The threat to sue Daily Trust could be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate the press and stifle critical reporting, which is essential for holding the government accountable. Civil society organisations and international press freedom advocates have voiced concerns. They argue that while responsible journalism is crucial, the government’s approach could lead to a chilling effect where media outlets self-censor to avoid legal repercussions. This, they warn, undermines democratic values and the public’s right to be informed about governmental actions.
The broader implications
The media’s handling of the Samoa Agreement has broader implications for democracy, governance, and informed citizenship in Nigeria. A well-informed citizenry is essential for the functioning of a healthy democracy. When citizens have access to accurate and balanced information, they can make informed decisions, hold their leaders accountable, and participate meaningfully in public discourse. The media’s role in providing this information is thus integral to democratic governance.
The government’s threat to sue Daily Trust marks a significant escalation in the dispute. Legal experts and media watchdogs are closely monitoring the situation, as it touches upon critical issues of press freedom and the legal boundaries of journalism in Nigeria. Should the government proceed with a lawsuit, it would set a precedent in how the state interacts with the media over contentious reporting.
Public trust in the media is crucial for its effectiveness. When the media consistently demonstrates a commitment to truth and transparency, it earns the trust of the public. Conversely, biased or inaccurate reporting can erode this trust, leading to scepticisms and disengagement. Trustworthy media can bridge the gap between the government and the people, fostering a more cohesive society.
The media’s influence extends to policy and governance. By highlighting issues related to the Samoa Agreement, the media can shape public opinion and pressure policymakers to act in the public’s interest. Investigative journalism, in particular, can expose corruption and malpractice, prompting reforms and accountability. In a diverse and pluralistic society such as Nigeria, the media has a role in promoting social cohesion. By providing a platform for diverse voices and facilitating constructive dialogue, the media can help bridge divides and foster a sense of national unity. This is especially important when addressing contentious issues like the Samoa Agreement, where different regions and communities may have varying perspectives.
It is essential for the media to adhere to high standards of accuracy and fairness. However, when discrepancies or disputes arise, dialogue and corrective measures, rather than punitive actions, should be the preferred route. This ensures a balanced approach where the media remains robust and free, yet responsible.
