SAMOA Agreement and Imperative of “Responsible Journalism in Nigeria” By Kabir Abdulsalam

SAMOA Agreement and Imperative of “Responsible Journalism in Nigeria” By Kabir Abdulsalam

A recent spat between the federal government and Daily Trust, a frontline national newspaper, linking the Samoa Deal to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights, has sparked a heated debate, which is reverberating through the country’s media and political firmaments.

Over time, Daily Trust has earned a reputation as one of the most authoritative and trusted media houses. Its style of journalism was devoid of sensationalism.

The government has accused the newspaper of misleading and harmful reporting, prompting critical questions about the limits of press freedom, the transparency of those in power, and the vital role a free press plays in holding those in power accountable in a democratic society.

The report, published on Thursday last week with an inciteful banner headline on the front page on July 4th, 2024, titled “LGBTQ: Knocks as Nigeria signs $150 billion Samoa deal,” reported concerns by sections of the Nigerian religious and civil society communities over clauses that allegedly mandate LGBT rights in the $150 billion Samoa Agreement signed by the Nigerian government on June 28.

While many may not be aware of the deal, the Samoa Agreement aims to unite nations against shared threats like climate change, inequality, and environmental degradation. It promotes eco-friendly practices, fair trade, and international teamwork to create a better future.

Despite its noble goals, the agreement’s rollout in Nigeria has been marred by challenges and controversies. Misinterpreted language and sensationalism have fueled the backlash.

The Daily Trust story on the agreement was premised on an opinion article by Sonnie Ekwowusi, a Lagos-based lawyer.

However, a fact-check article published by Premium Times found no evidence to support the claims and revealed that LGBT clauses were contained in the initial draft of the Samoa Agreement, but protests by some member European states, including Nigeria, forced them to abolish the clauses in the final document. The 172-page document, according to the fact-check, found no mention of LGBT rights or any language that could be interpreted as promoting or legalizing LGBT rights.

Providing details about the deal at a media briefing in Abuja on Saturday, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris Malagi, stated that the Federal Government delayed its consent to allow a thorough review and ensure no clause in the agreement contravenes Nigerian laws.

The Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has also said that it has reviewed the agreement and found no clauses forcing Nigeria to legalize LGBTQ practices, marriages, etc.

In agreement with this stance, Yakubu Maikyau, the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), characterized the Samoa Agreement as a guiding framework. He revealed that the NBA had the opportunity to review the agreement before Nigeria’s government signed it and emphasized that the agreement prioritizes respect for the laws and sovereignty of each participating nation.

Meanwhile, the minister cited several instances of Daily Trust’s alleged reckless reporting, including the false accusation that the federal government had signed a deal to promote LGBTQ rights, claims that the government was establishing foreign military bases in the country, and a fabricated story that the government had renamed the Murtala Mohammed Expressway after Wole Soyinka.

This incident highlights the importance of responsible journalism in nation-building and the need for media to remain apolitical in their reporting.

Responsible journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions. Media outlets have a responsibility to the public to report accurately and fairly, avoiding sensationalism and bias.

Sensationalism and bias can have harmful consequences, inciting hatred and violence, and undermining national security and stability.

Responsible journalism, on the other hand, promotes informed decision-making and nation-building. Pundits have argued that media have an obligation to be aware of the role the media may or may not play in spreading and amplifying falsehoods.

Media outlets must prioritize accuracy, fairness, and balance in their reporting, avoiding sensationalism and bias. By doing so, they can contribute to informed decision-making and the betterment of society.

Farooq A. Kperogi, in his critique of the Samoa Agreement controversy, chastised Daily Trust for its subpar journalism. He noted that the newspaper failed to provide concrete evidence from the agreement itself to support its claims of Nigeria’s alleged commitment to LGBTQ-friendly policies.

Instead, it relied on an unnamed report and sought out individuals to validate its unverified information, creating a cycle of misinformation.

Kperogi termed this practice “circular reporting,” where a fabricated claim is spread through multiple sources and then presented as factual. He emphasized that this approach creates a false narrative, essentially manufacturing a story from thin air.

Despite the public having a right to accurate information, media outlets must respect this right. Responsible journalism is essential for a healthy democracy, promoting transparency and accountability. In a democratic society, the government should embrace a free press, even when it is critical, as a necessary check on its power.

Although, in this mix of tension, the organization has sought ways to clarify its position on this. In a statement, the company’s secretary/legal adviser admitted to lapses in their reporting, saying, “We have also acknowledged lapses in our reporting on this particular matter, pointed out by professional colleagues, and we will review and take appropriate measures.”

She went further to say, “As our editors understood it, the Samoa Agreement signed by Nigeria has expanded the definition of gender rights, from the traditional male-female, to a new norm, captured by the term LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender).”

A notable aspect of the minister’s remarks was the government’s decision to file a formal complaint with the NPAN Ombudsman, seeking legal recourse for the harm incurred. This approach demonstrates a preference for resolving the matter internally within the media industry, rather than pursuing litigation.

Sincerely, adopting this course of action, the government showcases its commitment to finding a harmonious solution that benefits all stakeholders, thereby maintaining a positive trajectory for the media landscape

In light of this incident, it is clear that responsible journalism is crucial in nation-building, and media outlets must prioritize accuracy, fairness, and balance in their reporting, avoiding sensationalism and bias.

The government, on the other hand, must work together with the media to ensure that reporting is accurate, fair, and balanced, and that the public has access to reliable information. Only then can we build a nation that is founded on truth, transparency, and accountability.

Let us embrace responsible journalism and promote a culture of fact-based reporting. Only then can we build a nation that is founded on truth, transparency, and accountability.

Kabir Abdulsalam writes from Abuja, can be reach via kbabdulsalama03@gmail.com