 |
| Abbas Tajudeen |
In response to the controversies surrounding the Counter Subversion Bill and related draft laws, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, withdrew the bill on Wednesday.
The bill, which had only gone through its first reading, stirred up debates in the media. It proposed a 25-year jail term, a N10m fine, or both for anyone convicted of making statements or engaging in actions that incite separatist movements or inter-group conflicts in Nigeria. The bill also suggested penalties for actions like disrespecting national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem, defacing religious sites to provoke violence, or undermining the government, with punishments of N5m, 10 years in prison, or both.
Other sections of the bill highlighted penalties for activities that promote mistrust, division, or violence that threaten Nigeria's unity. Offenders would face a fine of N5m, 10 years imprisonment, or both. Further, it proposed fines and prison sentences for those who seize public or private properties through force, coercion, or deception.
The bill also targeted individuals or groups who affiliate with organizations challenging Nigeria's sovereignty, with penalties including N3m fines or four years in prison. It included a N15m fine or 20 years in prison for anyone receiving foreign support that conflicts with Nigeria's interests.
Additional sections focused on punishing acts that disrupt national security or peaceful coexistence, with fines of N3m, five-year imprisonment, or both. The bill also sought to penalize habitual law violators and those who disobey authority, proposing a three-year jail term for first offenses and up to seven years for repeat offenses, along with fines.
Paramilitary groups and unauthorized possession of military or police gear would also be criminalized, with fines of up to N10m or 15 years in prison.
On Wednesday, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen defended the bill, explaining that it aimed to bolster Nigeria's anti-terrorism efforts by addressing subversive actions from groups like militias, cults, and bandits. However, later that day, he decided to withdraw the bill after extensive consultations with stakeholders and careful consideration of the nation's current situation.
In a statement, the Speaker’s media office emphasized his commitment to listening to the people and maintaining unity. The withdrawal of the bill reflects his dedication to ensuring that the House of Representatives remains accountable to the public's interests.
Earlier that day, the Take It Back Movement, which led the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, condemned the bill. The movement argued that the bill threatened fundamental rights like freedom of speech, assembly, and movement. They urged the House to focus on addressing critical issues like hunger and poverty rather than passing laws that could stifle civil liberties.
The movement demanded that the bill be scrapped, arguing that it conflicted with democratic values and called on the government to tackle the root causes of unrest instead.
0 Comments