The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn the contentious Counter Subversion Bill and related draft legislation in response to widespread public concern.
The decision was announced on Wednesday through a press statement issued by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi.
According to the statement, the withdrawal came after extensive consultations with various stakeholders and a careful assessment of the nation’s current circumstances.
The Counter Subversion Bill, introduced on July 23, 2024, had sparked significant public debate and raised concerns over its potential impact on civil liberties.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
Musa Krishi highlighted that the withdrawal underscores Speaker Tajudeen’s dedication to preserving the peace and unity of the nation. “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.”
Krishi further affirmed that Tajudeen would never support any legislation that could potentially disrupt national harmony. “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 was officially notified of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill, along with other related legislation, which was introduced on July 23, 2024. The bill had gone viral on social media after passing its first reading and was scheduled for a second reading, where its general principles would be debated.
The Counter Subversion Bill 2024 aimed to impose stringent penalties on Nigerians who failed to recite the newly approved national anthem or who were found guilty of abusing politicians or community leaders. The proposed penalties included fines of up to N5 million, prison sentences ranging from five to ten years, or both.
