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to the Speaker, Musa Kirishi on Wednesday stated that the Counter Subversion and Other Related Matters bill has been withdrawn.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.