Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has officially withdrawn the highly controversial Counter Subversion Bill 2024 and other related legislations following intense public backlash.
The bill, introduced by Tajudeen, sought to impose harsh penalties, including fines up to N5 million and prison sentences of five to 10 years, on citizens who refuse to recite the newly approved national anthem or deface national symbols.
The legislation ignited widespread concern across the nation, as earlier reported by MUK TV.
In a press statement released on Wednesday by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, the withdrawal was attributed to “extensive consultations with various stakeholders and a careful assessment of the nation’s current circumstances.”
The statement emphasized that the Speaker’s decision was made in response to the overwhelming concerns expressed by the public.
“In response to the voices and concerns of the people, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation.
His decision to withdraw the bill reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House of Representatives remains a true representation of the people’s will,” Krishi noted.
The statement further highlighted Tajudeen’s dedication to maintaining peace and unity in the country.
“Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, a champion of the people’s interests, has always prioritised listening to the citizens and fostering unity. His decision reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the People’s House,” the statement added.
Krishi assured the public that Tajudeen would never support any legislation that could potentially disrupt the nation’s stability.
“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 Counter Subversion Bill 2024 gained significant attention after it passed its first reading in the House and was set to move to the second reading for a debate on its general principles on July 23.
The bill aimed to impose stringent penalties on Nigerians who failed to recite the newly approved national anthem or engaged in actions perceived as undermining government or community leaders.
