Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, has withdrawn the Counter Subversion Bill along with related draft legislation after significant public concern. The decision was announced in a press statement by Musa Krishi, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, following extensive consultations with stakeholders and a thorough evaluation of the current national circumstances.
Introduced on July 23, 2024, the Counter Subversion Bill sparked public debate due to its potential impact on civil liberties. The statement emphasized the Speaker’s responsiveness to public opinion:
“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 reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House of Representatives remains a true representation of the people’s will.”
Musa Krishi highlighted that the withdrawal of the bill demonstrates Tajudeen’s dedication to not supporting any legislation that could disrupt national peace and unity.
“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 bill, which had gained widespread attention on social media, was set to impose strict penalties on Nigerians for failing to recite the newly approved national anthem or for disrespecting politicians or community leaders. It proposed fines of up to N5 million and prison sentences ranging from five to ten years for offenders.
The public is now informed of the official withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and related legislation, marking a significant response to public opinion and emphasizing the importance of civil liberties in legislative processes.
