Speaker Abbas Withdraws Controversial Counter Subversion Bill

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has withdrawn the controversial Counter Subversion Bill following outrage over what Nigerians termed ‘draconian law.’

The bill which sought 10 year Jail term for Nigerians who do not Recite the National Anthem was sponsored by the Speaker and has passed the first reading.

Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker announced on Wednesday that the bill was withdrawn after extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders and careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.

The full statement reads below;

WITHDRAWAL OF THE COUNTER SUBVERSION BILL AND OTHER RELATED BILLS

In response to the voices and concerns of the people, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation.

This decision follows his extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and a careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.

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.