Failure To Recite National Anthem To Attract 10-yr Jail Term

The House of Representatives is planning to impose a N5 million penalty against those who refused to recite the national anthem.

The failure to recite the national anthem could also attract a 10-year imprisonment, according to a new proposed law by the legislature.

The Nigerian lower house is proposing a bill to also make it an offence for any Nigerian who disrespect national symbols, including the national flag and emblems.

Recall that some Nigerians under the #endbadgovernance protests had burned and defaced the Nigerian flag in their quest to show their angst against the government.

Some protesters also brandished the flag of the Russian federation, calling for the take over of the democratic administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Such wild calls have been trenchantly condemned by many weel meaning Nigerians and groups, including Afenifere, the pan Yoruba group.

According to the proposed legislation, anyone found guilty of refusing to recite the national anthem shall be fined N5 million, face a 10-year prison sentence, or both.

The Bill sponsored by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas has passed through the First Reading, and is now being red for the Second time awaiting to be sent to the Committee stage, according to checks by the magazine.

The Bill “stipulates that anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge, defacing a place of worship with intent to incite violence, or undermining the Federal Government shall face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both”.

Recall that Aisha Yesufu, a rights activist had attracted mixed reaction from Nigerians after she failed to recite the new National Anthem during a public function.

On May 29, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law the new national anthem bill ‘Nigeria we hail thee’.