The Nigerian government has announced its intention to take legal action against Daily Trust Newspapers over a controversial report about the Samoa agreement.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this plan on Saturday in Abuja, describing the report as “fake and mischievous.”
At a press conference, Idris stated that the government will file a complaint with the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and pursue a court case. He stressed that the report could potentially spark religious and social tensions in the country.
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The report in question claimed that the Nigerian government signed an agreement that included clauses requiring Nigeria to endorse the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) individuals. It also alleged that Nigeria would receive $150 billion for endorsing the deal.
Idris firmly denied these claims, calling the report a “gross falsehood.”
He said, “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.”
Idris highlighted several past instances where Daily Trust published what he described as misleading reports. He cited the newspaper’s coverage of the Niger Republic coup and allegations of the government planning to host foreign military bases. He also mentioned a false report about renaming the Murtala Mohammed Expressway in Abuja to Wole Soyinka Way.
Idris said, “In all those instances, all that the paper depended on were falsehoods and hearsays. They also showed no remorse or the humility to recant.
“The Samoa agreement, signed on June 28 at the Organisation of Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium, is a partnership between the European Union and its member states and the OACPS members. Negotiations began in 2018, and the agreement includes frameworks for cooperation on inclusive and sustainable economic growth, environmental protection, and human rights.”
Idris emphasized that the agreement does not include any clauses promoting LGBTQI rights. He condemned the Daily Trust report for misleading the public and inciting anger among religious leaders.
“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,” he said.
Despite the government’s frustration, Idris affirmed their commitment to civility and the rule of law.
“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,” he said.
He warned, however, that the government would not tolerate fake news and disinformation that threaten national security.
Idris assured that the government remains supportive of ethical journalism and free speech but will take firm action against irresponsible reporting.
Idris said, “The federal government will take the matter to the NPAN Ombudsman on this irresponsible reporting.
“And also seek redress through the courts.”