Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has withdrawn a controversial bill proposing a 10-year jail term for refusing to sing Nigeria’s reintroduced national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee." The bill faced widespread public backlash, with critics arguing it was a distraction from more critical national issues. Abbas cites public concerns as the reason for withdrawal.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has withdrawn a highly controversial bill that proposed a 10-year jail term for individuals refusing to sing Nigeria's reintroduced national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee." This decision comes after widespread outrage and intense criticism from Nigerians, who viewed the legislation as an attempt to stifle personal freedom and distract from more pressing national issues.
The bill, known as the Counter Subversion and Other Related Bills, was introduced as a means to enforce the singing of the old national anthem, which was reinstated by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2024. The reintroduction of the anthem and the accompanying bill were met with significant backlash, with many Nigerians criticizing the government for focusing on symbolic changes rather than addressing the country’s ongoing socio-economic and security challenges.
Prominent voices, including former Minister Oby Ezekwesili and activist Aisha Yesufu, were among those who publicly opposed the bill, arguing that it was a violation of citizens' rights and a misallocation of legislative focus. The backlash was swift and fierce, leading to widespread public discourse on the appropriateness of such a law.
In response to the mounting criticism, Abbas, through his spokesperson Musa Krishi, announced the withdrawal of the bill on Wednesday. Abbas emphasized that the decision was made after "careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances" and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the House of Representatives remains a body that reflects the will of the people.
He also assured the public that he would not support any legislation that could potentially harm the nation’s peace and unity.
The withdrawal of the bill has been seen as a victory for public opinion and a reminder of the importance of government responsiveness to citizens' concerns.
