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The Nigerian House of Representatives proposed a bill imposing up to 10 years imprisonment or a N5 million fine for those refusing to sing the new national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee." Activists Aisha Yesufu and Oby Ezekwesili face potential penalties for their defiance.

The Nigerian House of Representatives has proposed a controversial bill that could lead to up to 10 years in prison or a N5 million fine for individuals refusing to sing the national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” This move, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, aims to penalize those who either refuse to recite the anthem or destroy national symbols.

Activists Aisha Yesufu and Oby Ezekwesili are at the forefront of the backlash against the bill. Yesufu, known for her vocal criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to revert to the previous anthem, posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing her defiance with the caption #NotMyNationalAnthem. Her stance, which emphasizes the need to focus on Nigeria’s pressing economic and security issues rather than the anthem, has garnered significant public attention.

Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Solid Minerals, has voiced similar objections, insisting that the national anthem should remain as “Arise O Compatriots.” She argues that the legislative process to change the anthem was flawed and unconstitutional, challenging the government’s authority to impose this new anthem on citizens.

The proposed legislation has sparked intense debate, with critics arguing it infringes on individual freedoms. Should the bill become law, both Yesufu and Ezekwesili could face severe penalties for their resistance. The bill's passage would further entrench the anthem's place in Nigerian society, but at the cost of potentially stifling dissent and political expression.