Speaker Abbas Withdraws Controversial Counter Subversion and Other Related Bills
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Abbas Tajudeen, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, announced the withdrawal of the controversial Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation.
A statement by Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, said the decision for the withdrawal of the bill was in response to the voices and concerns of the people.
The statement also said that the decision followed his extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and a careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.
It further said that Hon Tajudeen, has always prioritized listening to the citizens and fostering unity, adding that his decision reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the People’s House.
According to Krishi; “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 is hereby notified of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and other related ones introduced on July 23, 2024,” it said.
The controversial Bill sponsored by Hon Abbas Tajudeen which passed First reading on the floor of the House of Representatives had proposed stringent sanctions for refusal to recite the new national anthem – ₦5M, 10yrs jail and protest.
Some of the highlight of the withdrawn controversial Bill and penalties include; “Vandalize Church/Mosque – ₦5M, 10yrs jail.
- Illegal Road Block – ₦2M, 5yrs jail.
- Protest – ₦2M, 5yrs jail.
- Insult Government, Pastors, Imams – ₦4M, 2yrs jail.
- Separatist Agitation (IPOB, Oduduwa) – ₦5M, 10yrs jail.
- Allegiance with Enemies of the Nation – ₦15M, 20yrs jail.
- Rebel against law, authority, refuse arrest – ₦5M, 7yrs jail.
- Operate Paramilitary Group, Cult – ₦10M, 15yrs jail.
- Possess, Use Military, Police Uniform – ₦2M, 2yrs jail, among others.
