In response to the voices and concerns of the people, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D has withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation.
A statement from the office of the Speaker said that the decision follows his extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and a careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.
It says ” 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,” the statement said.
The House of Representatives had introduced the Counter Subversion Bill 2024, which sought to impose stringent penalties on Nigerians who fail to recite the national anthem.
According to the proposed legislation, anyone found guilty of refusing to recite the national anthem shall be fined N5 million, face a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
Additionally, the bill stipulated that anyone who destroys a national symbol or defaces a place of worship will be subjected to the same punishment.
Lateefah Ibrahim
