The Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has officially withdrawn the Counter Subversion Bill and related legislations that proposed penalties, including imprisonment, for Nigerians who refuse to recite the national anthem.
According to a statement released by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, the decision was made in response to the concerns expressed by Nigerians.
The bill, introduced on July 23, 2024, had sparked widespread debate as it sought to impose a 10-year imprisonment or a fine of N5 million, or both, on individuals who refuse to recite the national anthem. It also included penalties for professing loyalty to organizations that disregard Nigeria’s sovereignty.
While defending the bill earlier, Speaker Abbas emphasized that it was aimed at strengthening national security and was not intended to target any specific group or region. However, after extensive consultations with various stakeholders and considering the current national climate, the Speaker decided to withdraw the bill.
“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,” the statement concluded.
