The Nigerian Government has threatened to take legal action against news medium, Daily Trust over its report on the Samoa Agreement, which it claims contains misleading information.
According to the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, “the report is a gross misrepresentation of facts and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public”.
Idris stated in a press briefing claims the agreement was signed in the best interest of Nigeria, and the report is “false” and “sensational”.
“We will not stand idly by while our country is maligned and misrepresented. We will take legal action against Daily Trust for publishing a false report”, he said.
Daily Trust on its part says it stands by its report, insisting that “We have evidence to prove that the agreement was signed and that it includes clauses that promote homosexuality”.
The newspaper further accused the government of trying to “silence” them and “cover up the truth”.
The legal threat has sparked reactions from various quarters, with some calling for press freedom and others supporting the government’s stance.