The House of Representatives of Nigeria has put forward the Counter Subversion Bill 2024, aiming to impose severe penalties on individuals who fail to recite the national anthem or engage in activities deemed disrespectful to national symbols.
The proposed legislation outlines that any person found guilty of refusing to recite the national anthem could face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both. The bill further specifies that those who destroy national symbols or deface places of worship will be subjected to the same stringent punishment.
The bill, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is scheduled for its second reading, where its general principles will be debated. The bill explicitly states: “Anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem or pledge, defacing a place of worship with the intent to incite violence, or undermining the Federal Government shall face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.”
In addition to these provisions, the bill also addresses other unlawful activities. “Anyone who sets up an illegal roadblock, performs unauthorized traffic duties, imposes an illegal curfew, or organizes an unlawful procession will be subject to a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both upon conviction,” the bill reads.
Moreover, the legislation targets individuals who forcefully take over public or private spaces, including places of worship and town halls. Such offenses would carry a penalty of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
The bill also criminalizes allegiance to organizations that challenge Nigeria’s sovereignty. “A person who professes loyalty to, pledges allegiance to, or agrees to belong to an organization that disregards the sovereignty of Nigeria commits an offense and is liable upon conviction to a fine of N3 million or imprisonment for a term of four years, or both,” it states.
In the same vein, the House of Representatives has also sought to clarify controversies surrounding media reports on the Counter Subversion Bill.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Krishi, addressed misconceptions about the bill.
“The attention of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has been drawn to reports in sections of the media about the Counter Subversion Bill, which he sponsored,” Krishi said. “The Speaker appreciates the interest Nigerians have so far shown on the Bill, which pertains to our national security.”
Krishi emphasized that the bill is still in its introductory stage and falls within Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework. “The Speaker assures Nigerians that the Bill is all-encompassing as it relates to Nigeria’s national security and does not target any group or section of the country,” he added.
He further explained the legislative process the bill would undergo, including a public hearing where Nigerians can contribute their views. “The Speaker, and by extension the House of Representatives, welcome robust engagements and discussions from Nigerians on the contents of the Bill, and how best to address the concerns raised,” Krishi stated.
The bill is expected to move through various stages of legislative scrutiny, allowing for extensive debate and public participation before any final decisions are made.
