The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep Tajudeen Abbas has withdrawn the controversial counter-subversion bill seeking penalties for refusing to recite the national anthem, destroying national symbols, or defacing places of worship after backlash.
The bill since it became public knowledge has been condemned and Abbas has been specifically targeted by critics who have vowed to stage heavy protests if he goes ahead with it.
In a statement on Wednesday, the media office of the Speaker clarified that the bill has come to stay but that it targeted no one except groups it said engage in subversive activities, which include failure to recite the new national anthem, or failure to stand up when being recited.
The Counter Subversion Bill, 2024 (HB. 1652) was introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, as the sponsor.
After the defence however, another statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Musa Krishi in Abuja, quoted Abbas as saying the decision to withdraw the controversial bill followed the speaker’s extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and a careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.
The statement reads “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,” Abbas said.
