House of Reps Withdraws Bill Criminalizing Refusal to Recite National Anthem

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has officially withdrawn the controversial Counter Subversion Bill and related draft legislation. The bill had sparked widespread criticism from Nigerians and activists for proposing a 10-year prison sentence, a ₦5 million fine, or both for anyone refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge.

In a statement issued by Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, the decision to withdraw the bill came after extensive consultations with various stakeholders and a thorough consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.

The statement emphasized that Speaker Tajudeen acknowledges the concerns raised and the significant attention the bill attracted, reaffirming his commitment to never supporting any action that could jeopardize the peace and unity of the nation.

Krishi also informed the public that the Counter Subversion Bill and other related measures, introduced on July 23, 2024, have been officially withdrawn.