Speaker Tajudeen Abbas's Counter Subversion Bill 2024 proposes up to 10 years in prison or a N5 million fine for Nigerians who refuse to recite the national anthem. The bill has faced criticism from activists and political figures, who argue it distracts from pressing national issues.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas faces significant backlash following the introduction of the Counter Subversion Bill 2024. The proposed legislation, which seeks to impose up to 10 years in prison or a N5 million fine on Nigerians who refuse to recite the national anthem, has ignited a storm of criticism from both political figures and the public.
The bill, presented in July, aims to enforce national loyalty by penalizing citizens who do not adhere to the recitation of the anthem "Nigeria, We Hail Thee," which was reinstated by President Bola Tinubu in May. In addition to the anthem mandate, the bill targets those who profess allegiance to organizations that undermine Nigeria's sovereignty, proposing a four-year prison term or a N3 million fine for such infractions.
Activists and politicians have condemned the bill, with former Minister Oby Ezekwesili labeling it as "irrelevant" amidst Nigeria's pressing socio-economic challenges. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have seen a surge of criticism, with many accusing the bill of veering towards authoritarianism. Aisha Yesufu, a prominent activist, has publicly denounced the bill, asserting her intention to resist the new anthem.
In response to the uproar, Musa Krishi, a spokesperson for Abbas, defended the bill as part of Nigeria’s broader anti-terrorism efforts, drawing parallels with similar legislation in other countries. The bill's future now hinges on parliamentary debate, where it will be scrutinized in the Second Reading before possible further action.
