Reps bow to pressure, withdraw controversial counter subversion bill

Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has withdrew the controversial Counter Subversion Bill aiming to tackle perceived threats to national security.

The bill sponsored by Abbas had scaled through the first reading and proceeded to the second in the lower chamber.

While the contents of the bill went viral on social media, many Nigerians condemned the intent of the draft legislation

Part of the intent of the bill is to impose stringent penalties on Nigerians who recite old national anthem or abuse politicians or community leaders.

The Bill “stipulates 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.”

The Bill also “states that anyone who sets up an illegal roadblock, performs unauthorised traffic duties, imposes an illegal curfew, or organises an unlawful procession will be subject to a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both upon conviction”.

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 offence 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 organisation that disregards the sovereignty of Nigeria, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N3 million or imprisonment for a term of four years or both”, it added.

Earlier on Wednesday, in his defence, Abbas said the bill was chiefly sponsored to cater to the critical aspects of national security.

The speaker also said the bill aims to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework by addressing subversive activities carried out by various groups, including associations, organisations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed entities.

“This is in line with similar legislation in countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Turkey, Canada, and Australia,” he stated.

The speaker in a statement by his spokesperson, Musa Krishi, said the decision of the speaker to withdraw the bill followed his extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and a careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.

“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.”