The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn the Counter Subversion Bill, which sparked widespread outrage and opposition due to its draconian provisions.
The bill, introduced on 23 July 2024, proposed severe penalties, including fines and prison sentences, for various offences such as refusing to recite the national anthem, destroying national symbols, and undermining the Federal Government.
According to the bill, “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 further 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.”
Additionally, it made provision for “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.”
The withdrawal was announced in a statement by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, on Wednesday.
“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,” said Krishi. “This decision follows his extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and a careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.”
The statement cited the Speaker’s commitment to listening to citizens and fostering unity, and his decision to prioritise the nation’s peace and unity.
“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,” it said.
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