The Nigerian government has vowed to take legal action against Daily Trust Newspapers for its report on the Samoa agreement, which it deemed “fake and mischievous.”
Information Minister Mohammed Idris announced this at a press conference in Abuja, stating that the government would file a complaint with the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and approach the court over the report.
Idris described the report as “gross falsehood” and “reckless reporting” that borders on national security and stability. He accused Daily Trust of championing a “jaundiced narrative” and promoting “baseless accusations” without evidence.
The minister emphasized that the government would continue to toe the path of civility and the rule of law, but would not accept fake news and disinformation that could harm national security and peace.
“We will take the matter to the NPAN Ombudsman on this irresponsible reporting, and we will also use every lawful means to seek redress in a court of law,” Idris stated.
The report in question claimed that Nigeria signed an agreement promoting LGBTQI+ rights and would receive $150 billion for endorsing the deal.
The government has denied the allegations, stating that the Samoa agreement is a partnership between the European Union and Organization of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) members, focusing on economic growth, environmental protection, and human rights.