In response to the voices and concerns of the people, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi on Wednesday, he stated that, the decision follows his extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and a careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.
It reads, “Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, a champion of the people’s interests, has always prioritized 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”.
It could be recalled that, in earlier statement Wednesday morning, the Speaker had made some clarifications on the Bill that elicited reactions from many Nigerians.
The Bill has prescribed stiff penalties for people who refused to sign the new national anthem as well as other actions that undermine the country.
Some of the provisions of the proposed 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”.
It also proposed 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”.
According to the proposed Bill, “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”.
It further added that, “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”.
