By Ayodele Oni
Apparently in response to public outcry, the House of Representatives has withdrawn the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislations.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen announced the withdrawal in a press statement, citing extensive consultations with stakeholders and a careful assessment of the nation’s current circumstances.
The bill sought to criminalize the refusal to sing the reintroduced national anthem and impose fines.
The decision, announced by his spokesman Musa Krishi on Wednesday, came after “careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.”
Krishi stated that Abbas’s decision “reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the People’s House.
“The decision to withdraw the bill reflects my commitment to ensuring that the House of Representatives remains a true representation of the people’s will, I will never support any legislation that could potentially disrupt the peace and unity of our nation.”
The Counter Subversion Bill, introduced on July 23, 2024, sparked public debate and raised concerns about its potential impact on civil liberties.
“I acknowledge the significance of the concerns raised and the attention the Bill has garnered, reaffirming that I will never support any action that might disrupt the peace and unity of our nation.”
Speaker Abbas introduced the Counter Subversion and Other Related Bills in the House of Representatives.
However, the bill, which has passed its second reading, faced significant opposition from prominent figures such as former Minister Oby Ezekwesili and activist Aisha Yesufu, among others.
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