The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, on Wednesday resolved to withdraw the counter subversion bill and other related draft legislation.
In a statement by his spokesman Musa Krishi, on Wednesday, withdrew the controversial draft legislation criminalising jail term and fine for those who refuse to sing the reintroduced anthem after “careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.
Krishi said Abbas’ decision “reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the People’s House”.
Abbas 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 proposal of the bill created outrage in the country as Nigerians online and offline spoke up boldly against the bill.
The proposed private member bill sponsored by Speaker Abbas proposed stiffer punishment for anyone found guilty of various offences stipulated in the bill, ranging from 2 to 25 years imprisonment as well as fines ranging from N2 million to N15 million.
