Nigerians have vowed to embark on another nationwide protests if the House of Representatives does not withdraw the proposed controversial Counter Subversion Bill 2024.
The bill, sponsored by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas seeks to impose stringent penalties on Nigerians who fail to recite the national anthem.
According to the proposed legislation, anyone found guilty of refusing to recite the national anthem shall be fined N5 million, face a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
Additionally, the bill which is set for second reading stipulates that anyone who destroys a national symbol or defaces a place of worship will be subject to the same punishment
The bill “stipulates that anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem or pledge, defacing a place of worship with the intent to incite violence, or undermining the Federal Government shall face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.”
It also “states that anyone who sets up an illegal roadblock, performs unauthorized traffic duties, imposes an illegal curfew, or organizes an unlawful procession will be subject to a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both upon conviction.”
Moreover, any person who “forcefully takes over any place of worship, town hall, school, premises, public or private space, arena, or similar location through duress, undue influence, subterfuge, or other means commits an offense and is liable upon conviction to a fine of N5 million or imprisonment for a term of 10 years, or both.”
The bill further states that “a person who professes loyalty to, pledges allegiance to, or agrees to belong to an organization that disregards the sovereignty of Nigeria commits an offense and is liable upon conviction to a fine of N3 million or imprisonment for a term of four years, or both.”
This bill has sparked criticism from Nigerians as they described it as an attempt by the Tinubu-led government to suppress the fundamental rights of Nigerians, posing a threat to the nation’s democracy.
Take It Back Movement, a key protest organizer, said the bill directly contradicts essential democratic principles such as freedom of speech, assembly, and demonstration.
The group warned that it would mobilize Nigerians to protest if the bill is not discarded.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu and the Public Relations Officer, Stephen Olabiyi, the TIB movement said:
“In solidarity with the people of Nigeria, we unequivocally denounce this proposed repressive legislation and vow to protect the constitutional rights of Nigerians.
“We will stop at nothing to protect whatever is left of our democratic rights as Nigerians, including mobilising Nigerians to the streets if this draconian bill is not withdrawn immediately.”
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