Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has pulled the controversial Counter Subversion Bill. This legislation proposed severe penalties—including a staggering N5 million fine and a decade behind bars—for anyone daring to refuse reciting the national anthem.
The bill, which had ignited widespread outrage and fierce criticism for its harsh and anti-democratic implications, was set to undergo its second reading, where its contentious principles were to be hotly debated.
The explosive proposal didn’t stop there. It threatened anyone who desecrated a national symbol or place of worship with the same draconian penalties. It outlined a chilling range of offenses: destroying national emblems, defacing places of worship, inciting violence, or undermining the Federal Government could lead to crippling fines or long prison sentences.
Moreover, those who dared to set up illegal roadblocks, impose unauthorized curfews, or lead unlawful processions faced penalties of N2 million or up to five years in prison. Even more alarmingly, individuals who used intimidation to seize control of public or private spaces risked the same fate: a hefty fine or ten years in jail.
The bill even criminalized loyalty to organizations that challenge Nigeria’s sovereignty—penalizing offenders with fines or years of incarceration.
However, mounting public outrage and backlash prompted a swift retreat from the Speaker. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, on Wednesday, he announced the withdrawal of the bill.
“In response to the voices and concerns of the people, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation,” the statement declared.
“This decision comes after extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and a careful assessment of the nation’s current circumstances.”
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, lauded as a champion of the people’s interests, emphasized his dedication to listening to citizens and fostering unity. His choice to retract the bill underscores his commitment to ensuring the House remains genuinely representative of the people’s will.
He acknowledged the significance of the concerns raised by the public, reiterating his resolve to never support any measure that could disrupt Nigeria’s peace and unity.
The public is hereby alerted to the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and other related measures introduced on July 23, 2024.
