We Won't Accept Gay Marriage..FG Tells Europeans

The federal government has insisted that same sex marriage is not in accordance with the culture and religious beliefs of most Nigerians.

 Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru, stated this during an interactive session with the diplomatic corps in Abuja yesterday.

The minister noted that though respect for human rights should be observed, but this should not be at the expense of the larger societal values, well being and orientation of the people. “Even laws are rooted in culture, which must be upheld for the good of the society. I therefore, appeal to the international community through you to show a greater understanding of the culture and traditions of our people” he said.

On the issue of oil theft, Ashiru disclosed that the federal government has set up a high-level committee headed by the attorney general and minister of justice to address the menace decisively.

“However, you must cooperate with us to address the international dimension to this scourge. The Nigerian Navy and NIMASA have been directed to take firm measures against any ship caught engaging in unwholesome activities, including oil theft in Nigeria’s territorial waters,” Ashiru added.

Also, the minister explained why Nigeria could not arrest the Sudanese President, Omar Al-Bashir, when he attended the just-concluded African Union (AU) Summit held in Abuja.

He stated: “The issue of Al-Bashir attending the conference was not a bilateral matter for Nigeria. It is an issue between the African Union, the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other member states within the international community who are non-parties to the Rome Statute.”