THE Federal Government has accused western nations of double standards over a new law banning same-sex marriages in the country. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuliri, said such criticisms stem from the “double standards” of the West.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the sidelines of the just concluded AU summit, Ms. Onwuliri said President Jonathan signed the law in the interest of Nigerians and democracy.
She said, “What happened in Nigeria is democracy in action and it will really be unfortunate that people who are talking about democracy when they now see democracy work, they want us to go against democracy. Is democracy for pick and choose? When it suits them they want us to do good governance and democracy, but when it does not suit them they want us to go against the democracy that has been put in place.
The National Assembly took a decision, the National Assembly is the face of democracy in Nigeria, they are the representatives of the people, they form the voice of the people and they have spoken.”
The European Union, Canada and the United States have criticised the new law, saying it negates the fundamental human rights of individuals enshrined in the Nigeria constitution.
On the situation in South Sudan and the Central African Republic, the minister said Nigeria strongly backs the AU and regional groups’ role in demanding the return of peace and stability in the regions. “Nigeria has taken a position on the need for peaceful resolutions in conflict situations in Africa, safety of lives and property and ensuring that women and children are safe in conflict areas,” she said.
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