After Uproar from Nigerians, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen Bows To Pressure, Withdraws Controversial Counter Subversion Bill

After Uproar from Nigerians, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen Bows To Pressure, Withdraws Controversial Counter Subversion Bill

In a statement today from his SA Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, he stated: “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.

In a statement from Musa Abdullahi Krishi, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, on Wednesday, Abass said, “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”.

This bill stipulates that individuals found guilty of failing to recite the new national anthem , will face severe penalties, including a fine of ₦5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.

The Bill also imposes a fine of ₦4 million or a two-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of insulting, defaming, embarrassing, or bringing into disrepute the leadership of a community, religion, lawful group, local government, state, or federal government.

This means jail term for anyone who insults or embarrasses Tinubu, Shettima, Governors, LG Chairmen, any govt parastatal or agency, Akpabio and any Senator as well as other National Assembly elected officers.

Nigerians have tagged this bill as draconian.