Speaker withdraws bill that seeks jail for inability to recite national anthem

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has  withdrawn his Counter Subversion Bill after heavy public knocks.

The bill was proposed to tackle acts perceived inimical to national security.

The bill which was Counter introduced by the Speaker  July 23, 2024, proposes draconian penalties for Nigerians who fail to recite the national anthem, among others.

The Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Krishi, announced the decision to withdraw the controversial bill ina statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that the Speaker took the decision to withdraw the controversial bill after extensive consultations with stakeholders and due consideration of  the current situation in the country.

The statement read, “In response to the voices and concerns of the people, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation.

“His decision to withdraw the bill reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House of Representatives remains a true representation of the people’s will.

“Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, a champion of the people’s interests, has always prioritised listening to the citizens and fostering unity. His decision reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the People’s House.

“He acknowledges the significance of the concerns raised and the attention the Bill has garnered, reaffirming that he will never support any action that might disrupt the peace and unity of our nation.

“The public is hereby notified of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and other related ones introduced on July 23, 2024.”

The Bill “stipulates that anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge, defacing a place of worship with intent to incite violence, or undermining the Federal Government shall face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.

The Bill also “states that anyone who sets up an illegal roadblock, performs unauthorised traffic duties, imposes an illegal curfew, or organises an unlawful procession will be subject to a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both upon conviction”.

Also, any person who “forcefully takes over any place of worship, town hall, school, premises, public or private place, arena, or a similar place through duress, undue influence, subterfuge or other similar activities, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5 million or imprisonment for a term of 10 years or both”.

“A person who professes loyalty, pledges or agrees to belong to an organisation that disregards the sovereignty of Nigeria, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N3 million or imprisonment for a term of four years or both, among others.”