Following the uproar and Negativity surrounding the anti-subversion bill, the Speaker of the House of Representatives has withdrawn the bill which he sent in for consideration. The bills scaled through the first reading and proceeded to the second, and were to be debated on July 23.
It aimed to impose stringent penalties on Nigerians who fail to recite the newly approved national anthem or abuse politicians or community leaders.
According to the bill, anyone found guilty shall be fined up to N5 million and would face a five to 10 years prison sentence or both. Meanwhile, Nigerians have begun calling for the abolishment of the bill while describing it as “anti-people” and a “decree in a democratic society”.
The bill stipulated:
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.”
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 offense and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5 million or imprisonment for a term of 10 years or both.”
“A person who professes loyalty, pledges or agrees to belong to an organization that disregards the sovereignty of Nigeria, commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine of N3 million or imprisonment for a term of four years or both.”
“If you protest or set up an illegal roadblock, or perform unauthorized traffic duties, impose an illegal curfew, or organize an “unlawful” procession, you will be subjected to 5 years in prison with N2m fine or both upon conviction,” it added among others
A statement from the speaker’s office 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,” he added.
The Counter Subversion Bill 2024 went viral on social media on Tuesday after it scaled through the first reading and proceeded to the second, where its general principles would be debated on July 23. It aimed to impose stringent penalties on Nigerians who fail to recite the newly approved national anthem or abuse politicians or community leaders.
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