Renowned social critic Aisha Yesufu has declared that she would rather spend 20 years in prison than sing the newly adopted national anthem, which she refers to as “Tinubu’s anthem.”
Yesufu made this statement following reports of a proposed bill, championed by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, which suggests severe penalties for actions or statements that could incite separatist agitations or cause inter-group conflicts in Nigeria. The bill proposes a 25-year imprisonment or a N10 million fine, or both, for those convicted of such offenses.
The bill also includes penalties for anyone who destroys national symbols, refuses to recite the national anthem, or defaces places of worship with the intent to incite violence.
In response, Yesufu expressed her strong opposition to the bill and the new anthem, stating on X (formerly Twitter): “Will choose 20 years in prison rather than sing Tinubu’s anthem passed by slaves masquerading as lawmakers in the National Assembly.”
Yesufu has been vocal in her rejection of the recently adopted national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee.” In a recent event, she remained seated while others stood for the recitation of the new anthem, later sharing a video of the moment on her social media account with the caption: “Not my anthem.”
Renowned social critic Aisha Yesufu has declared that she would rather spend 20 years in prison than sing the newly adopted national anthem, which she refers to as “Tinubu’s anthem.”
Yesufu made this statement following reports of a proposed bill, championed by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, which suggests severe penalties for actions or statements that could incite separatist agitations or cause inter-group conflicts in Nigeria. The bill proposes a 25-year imprisonment or a N10 million fine, or both, for those convicted of such offenses.
The bill also includes penalties for anyone who destroys national symbols, refuses to recite the national anthem, or defaces places of worship with the intent to incite violence.
In response, Yesufu expressed her strong opposition to the bill and the new anthem, stating on X (formerly Twitter): “Will choose 20 years in prison rather than sing Tinubu’s anthem passed by slaves masquerading as lawmakers in the National Assembly.”
Yesufu has been vocal in her rejection of the recently adopted national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee.” In a recent event, she remained seated while others stood for the recitation of the new anthem, later sharing a video of the moment on her social media account with the caption: “Not my anthem.”
