MORE DETAILS: REPS WITHDRAW BILL SEEKING JAIL TERM FOR REFUSING TO RECITE NEW ANTHEM

Reps withdraw Bill seeking jail term for those refusing to recite new national anthem
In a significant development, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn the highly controversial Counter Subversion Bill. This bill, which proposed severe penalties for Nigerians who refused to recite the national anthem, destroy national symbols, or deface places of worship, faced widespread criticism and backlash.
The bill, introduced by Speaker Tajudeen on July 23, 2024, had outlined harsh penalties for various offenses, including a fine of ₦5 million, a 10-year prison term, or both for refusing to recite the national anthem. It also proposed similar penalties for destroying national symbols or defacing places of worship with the intent to incite violence. Additional provisions included fines and prison terms for setting up illegal roadblocks, performing unauthorized traffic duties, and organizing unlawful processions, among other actions.
The proposed legislation faced substantial opposition, with many critics labeling it as draconian and anti-democratic. This widespread outrage prompted Speaker Tajudeen to reconsider the bill's implications.
In response to the public outcry and following extensive consultations with stakeholders, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill. The decision was announced in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, on Wednesday. The statement emphasized that the Speaker's decision reflects his commitment to listening to the citizens and maintaining national unity.
Speaker Tajudeen expressed his dedication to ensuring that the House of Representatives remains a true representation of the people's interests, acknowledging the significance of the concerns raised regarding the bill.
The Counter Subversion Bill and related draft legislation introduced on July 23, 2024, have been officially withdrawn, marking a response to the extensive public and stakeholder feedback.
As Nigeria moves forward, the debate surrounding the balance between national security and individual freedoms continues.
In a significant development, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn the highly controversial Counter Subversion Bill. This bill, which proposed severe penalties for Nigerians who refused to recite the national anthem, destroy national symbols, or deface places of worship, faced widespread criticism and backlash.
The bill, introduced by Speaker Tajudeen on July 23, 2024, had outlined harsh penalties for various offenses, including a fine of ₦5 million, a 10-year prison term, or both for refusing to recite the national anthem. It also proposed similar penalties for destroying national symbols or defacing places of worship with the intent to incite violence. Additional provisions included fines and prison terms for setting up illegal roadblocks, performing unauthorized traffic duties, and organizing unlawful processions, among other actions.
The proposed legislation faced substantial opposition, with many critics labeling it as draconian and anti-democratic. This widespread outrage prompted Speaker Tajudeen to reconsider the bill's implications.
In response to the public outcry and following extensive consultations with stakeholders, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill. The decision was announced in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, on Wednesday. The statement emphasized that the Speaker's decision reflects his commitment to listening to the citizens and maintaining national unity.
Speaker Tajudeen expressed his dedication to ensuring that the House of Representatives remains a true representation of the people's interests, acknowledging the significance of the concerns raised regarding the bill.
The Counter Subversion Bill and related draft legislation introduced on July 23, 2024, have been officially withdrawn, marking a response to the extensive public and stakeholder feedback.
As Nigeria moves forward, the debate surrounding the balance between national security and individual freedoms continues.