Nigerians could soon face up to 10 years in prison or a N5 million fine for refusing to sing the new national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” as proposed by a new bill in the House of Representatives.
The Counter Subversion Bill 2024, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, seeks to impose severe penalties on citizens who refuse to recite the controversial anthem.
The bill also targets those who deface national symbols, such as the flag, as a means to undermine the government.
If passed into law, offenders could face the same 10-year prison sentence, a N5 million fine, or both.
The bill states, “Anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge, defacing a place of worship with intent to incite violence, or undermining the federal government shall face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.”
The move comes after President Bola Tinubu reverted to the old anthem in May, sparking widespread controversy.
Some prominent figures, including former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili and activist Aisha Yesufu, have openly refused to sing the new anthem, preferring instead to stick with “Arise, O Compatriots.”
Aisha Yesufu, in particular, has been vocal in her opposition. In a video posted on her X page, she is seen sitting and reading a magazine while others stood to sing the new anthem.
She captioned the video, “#NotMyNationalAnthem,” which quickly went viral, amassing over two million views.
Yesufu has argued that the government should prioritize addressing the country’s severe economic and security challenges rather than focusing on the national anthem issue.
Oby Ezekwesili has echoed this sentiment, declaring on social media, “Whenever and wherever the national anthem is called for, I shall continue to sing #AriseOCompatriots as #MyNationalAnthem.”
Ezekwesili also criticized the legislative process behind the anthem change, accusing President Tinubu and the Senate of bypassing constitutional procedures.
“The lawmakers @nassnigeria and the @NGRPresident grievously breached the constitutional provisions and process for amendment of legislation and therefore cannot foist another national anthem on us,” she tweeted in June.
“I refuse to join them in the Kangaroo Act of violating the Constitution,” she added.
If the bill is passed and signed into law, the government could potentially prosecute figures like Ezekwesili and Yesufu for their refusal to comply.
The proposed legislation has already sparked a heated debate across the country, with many questioning the necessity and implications of such severe penalties.
