The proposed counter-subversive bill on the floor of the House of Representatives has suffered a major setback forcing its major promoter and Speaker of the House, Honourable Tajudeen Abass, to back out sequel to a series of pushbacks and criticisms by members of the Civil Society Organisations and the general public. The proposed bill, titled
The proposed counter-subversive bill on the floor of the House of Representatives has suffered a major setback forcing its major promoter and Speaker of the House, Honourable Tajudeen Abass, to back out sequel to a series of pushbacks and criticisms by members of the Civil Society Organisations and the general public.
The proposed bill, titled “COUNTER SUBVERSION BILL, 2024,” targets activities such as road barricades, roadblocks, failure to sing the national anthem, and other similar public activities, and states that breaking the law is punishable by a five-million naira fine, ten years in prison, or both.
In their initial reaction to the bill, the Civil Society groups described it as a military dictatorship legislation aimed at gagging the people. This development bill is coming barely a week after the nationwide protest against bad governance in Nigeria, during which citizens took to the streets to agitate against bad governance and economic hardship in the country.
Sponsorship of the bill which was already at second reading has sparked public outrage, with fingers pointing at the legislature for making a move to stifle similar gatherings in the future. They also condemned the proposed legislation as a deliberate attempt by the lawmakers to undermine democratic principles and fundamental human rights in the country.
Nigerians also posited that the proposed bill was the government’s tactics to victimise the organisers of the #Endbadgovernance protest for barricading the roads in their respective states where the protests took place and to punish those who were reportedly seen singing the old national anthem.
To douse the tension generated by the avalanche of reactions, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Abbas Tajudeen, stated that the legislation only seeks to protect the country’s national security and does not target any group of people.
He further clarified that the bill falls within the realm of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework, and it seeks to address subversive activities by associations, organisations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed groups in Nigeria, stating that such legislation is obtainable in other developed countries.
Subsequently, in an ironic turn of events, the speaker announced later in the day that he had withdrawn the counter-subversion bill, stating that his decision was after consultation with stakeholders in the country.
In a statement released by Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, he acknowledged the significance of the concerns raised and the attention the bill has attracted.
He further explained that his principal would not support any action that might disrupt the peace and unity of our nation, stating that all other related bills have also been withdrawn.
The statement fully reads “In response to the voices and concerns of the people, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation.
“This decision follows his extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and a careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances. 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.
“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”
