The House of Representatives has turned down the Samoa deal, asking the Federal Government to pause its implementation until the disputed clauses are fully explained.

This decision was made after Rep. Aliyu Sani Madaki (NNPP, Kano) and 80 others brought up an urgent motion during the Plenary on Tuesday, July 9. Madaki pointed out concerns about a gender equality clause, calling it a “Trojan horse” that could harm the country’s moral values.

House Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) criticized the signing process for not involving the parliament, which has led to public upset. He worried about the secrecy of the agreement’s details.

House Chief Whip Rep. Usman Bello Kumo (APC, Gombe) said the House would not support any deals that go against Nigerian beliefs, norms, and culture.

The House has decided to look into the agreement carefully. The motion was approved and sent to the relevant committees for more legislative work.