By Abiola Olawale
Following mounting pressure, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has announced his decision to withdraw the contentious Counter-subversion bill and other related draft legislations.
The decision was made known in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Krishi.
In the statement, Kishi explained that the decision to withdraw the bill was made after extensive consultations with various stakeholders and a careful assessment of the nation’s current circumstances.
The statement reads in part: “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.
“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.
“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.”
The New Diplomat reports that the Counter Subversion Bill, which was introduced on July 23, 2024, had sparked public debate and raised concerns about its potential impact on civil liberties.
Concerns about the bill emerged again on Tuesday after it scaled through the first reading and proceeded to the second reading.
Several individuals have raised an alarm that the bill if passed into law, could have an undemocratic impact on citizens’ liberties.
This is as the bill aims to impose stringent penalties on Nigerians who fail to recite the newly approved national anthem or abuse politicians or community leaders.
According to the bill, anyone found guilty shall be fined up to N5 million and would face a five to 10 years prison sentence or both.
