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Breaking: Speaker Abbas Succumbs, Withdraw Controversial Counter Subversion and Other Related Bills

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By Gloria Ikibah 
In a move seen as a concern of the outcry by Nigerians, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas has abandoned the controversial Counter Subversion Bill.
The decision was sequel to a widespread criticism and outrage from Nigerians who saw the bill as a threat to their fundamental human rights.
 
Naijablitznews.com reports that the House on July 23, 2024, had introduced the Counter Subversion Bill 2024, and it passed first reading and awaiting second reading. 
 
The proposed piece of legislation seeks to impose stringent penalties on Nigerians who fail to recite the national anthem.
 
According to the proposed bill, anyone found guilty of refusing to recite the national anthem shall be fined N5 million, face a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
 
It also specify that anyone who destroys a national symbol or defaces a place of worship will be subject to the same punishment.
 
 
The bill which was sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, was set for second reading, when the general principles will be debated.
 
But Naijablitznews.com reports that in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Kirishi on Wednesday stated that the Counter Subversion and Other Related Matters bill has been withdrawn. 
 
The statement reads: “In response to the voices and concerns of the people, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation.
 
“This decision follows 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”.
 
Naijablitznews.com recalled that in May, President Bola Tinubu signed into law a bill to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem, which had been dropped by in 1978. The newly re-adopted anthem, which begins with “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda.
 
 
 
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Natasha’s TikTok vibe to Tinubu’s song raises concerns about potential defections

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The suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Saturday, sparked controversy of an imminent defection when she shot a viral video of herself vibing to a music praising President Bola Tinubu.

In the 15-second clip posted on her TikTok page, the senator was seen giggling as she repeatedly played the track by popular Kano musician, Dauda Kahutu, otherwise known as Rarara.

The musician had regaled the President with a performance of his new Yoruba song titled ‘Asiwaju Omo Ologo’ at a dinner event held in Katsina during his official visit.

Asiwaju Omo Ologo translates to mean ‘Asiwaju the glorious child’.

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Akpoti-Uduaghan’s action has left her supporters confused, with many wondering if she plans to dump the Peoples Democratic Party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PUNCH could also not independently verify if her subtle action is an affirmation of an imminent defection or another satire deployed to embarrass the APC-led government.

Efforts to get the reaction of the Kogi senator were unsuccessful.

Her media aide, Israel Arogbonlo, could also not be reached on the phone for clarification.

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As of the time of filing this story, he could not be reached again.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on 6 March following a heated disagreement with the Senate leadership over a new seating arrangement, which she alleged was designed to undermine her.

Tensions rose further when she accused Senate President Akpabio on national television of punishing her for rejecting his purported sexual advances.

During the Women in Parliament session at the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting at the United Nations in New York, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable.

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She also criticised the severe measures imposed on her, including the withdrawal of security, salary cuts, and a six-month suspension from the National Assembly.

Following a series of legal fireworks between both parties, the court barred the duo from talking to the press and commenting on the issue until the legal outcome of the case.

Last Sunday, two days after Akpabio led a Federal Government delegation to the Vatican, the Kogi Central senator wrote a satirical ‘Apology Letter’ directed at the office of the Senate President.

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Ex-provost AUN, Prof Baba’s loses three children in auto clash

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A motor accident has claimed the lives of three children of Professor Yusuf Attahir Baba, the former provost of the American University of Nigeria, AUN, also known as ABTI American University Nigeria, in Yola, Adamawa State.
The tragic incident, which occurred Friday night, has left the academic community and the nation in mourning.

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, who founded AUN, has expressed shock over the tragic incident.

In a statement, he said, “It is with a heavy heart that I condole with the family of Professor Yusuf Attahir Baba, former provost of the American University of Nigeria, on the loss of three children in a ghastly motor accident last night.”

According to him, “It is my wish that we put the family in our prayers at this difficult time, for Allah to comfort them and accept the return of the departed souls. Amin.”

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Professor Baba, a respected academic and administrator, previously served as the provost of AUN, an institution renowned as Africa’s first development university.

The loss of his children has sparked an outpouring of condolences from colleagues, students, and the wider community, who are rallying to support the grieving family during the unimaginable tragedy.

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Girl, Mother Beat Father To Death In Delta Community

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A young girl identified as Onyinye and her mother have reportedly beaten her father to death.

The incident occurred along Urhobo Road in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State after the man questioned her daughter’s second pregnancy out of wedlock.

According to the report, the deceased, a commercial tricycle operator, was reprimanding his daughter for the second pregnancy when she became angry and pounced on, beating him to stupor.

Onyinye’s mother was said to have quickly locked the door, joining her daughter in assaulting the husband until he fell and hit his head on the ground.

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He was reported to have died instantly, before neighbors could intervene and force the door open.

Sources in the area said residents raised an alarm, inviting the police, who arrested both the mother and daughter.

When contacted, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, claimed that the matter had not been reported.

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