Prominent Nigerian senator and human rights advocate, Shehu Sani, has voiced strong opposition to African states accepting financial aid or loans that come with conditions he describes as "demonic" and contrary to the continent's cultural, religious, and moral values. His remarks follow the recent controversy surrounding Nigeria's decision to sign the Samoa Agreement.
In a recent tweet, Sani emphasized that African countries should reject any financial assistance from foreign nations, groups of countries, or international institutions that impose conditions perceived as undermining their cultural and religious integrity. He specifically called for the reversal of Nigeria’s commitment to the Samoa Agreement, urging all signatory African nations to "unsign" the pact.
"African states should not accept loans or grants from any country, group of countries, or international institutions that come with demonic conditions antithetical to our culture, religious faiths, and values," Sani tweeted. "All African countries including Nigeria who appended their signatures should go back and 'unsign' the Samoa agreement."
The Samoa Agreement, signed in November 2023, has been the subject of intense debate in Nigeria and across Africa. Critics argue that certain clauses within the agreement, particularly those related to LGBT rights and other social policies, conflict with the deeply held cultural and religious beliefs of many African societies.
Sani's comments reflect a growing sentiment among African leaders and civil society groups who see such conditions as a form of neocolonialism, imposing Western values on African countries under the guise of financial support. They argue that accepting these terms compromises national sovereignty and undermines traditional societal structures.
Sani, a former senator known for his advocacy on social justice and human rights, has consistently spoken against policies and agreements that he believes could erode the cultural and religious fabric of Nigerian society. His call for Nigeria to withdraw from the Samoa Agreement resonates with many who feel that economic assistance should not come at the expense of cultural and moral integrity.
The Samoa Agreement's signing has already sparked backlash from various sectors in Nigeria. Religious groups, including the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Christian organizations, have condemned the agreement, demanding that the government reconsider its stance.