The Nigerian House of Representatives has introduced the Counter Subversion Bill 2024, a proposed legislation aimed at enforcing severe penalties on citizens who refuse to recite the national anthem. The bill suggests that those found guilty of this offense could face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
Additionally, the bill extends these penalties to individuals who destroy national symbols or deface places of worship, also making them liable to the same punishment.
Sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, the bill is currently set for its second reading, where the general principles will be discussed in greater detail.
10 Things to know about the law:
1. Introduction of the Bill
The Nigerian House of Representatives has introduced the Counter Subversion Bill 2024. This bill aims to enforce strict penalties on Nigerians who refuse to recite the national anthem. The bill shows the government’s efforts to promote national pride and unity by making the recitation of the anthem a legal requirement.
2. Penalties for Non-Recitation
The bill proposes heavy penalties for those who refuse to recite the national anthem. If found guilty, a person could be fined N5 million, sentenced to 10 years in prison, or both. This shows how serious the government is about ensuring that citizens demonstrate their loyalty to the country.
3. Destruction of National Symbols
The bill also covers offenses like destroying national symbols or defacing places of worship. People guilty of these actions could face the same penalties as those who refuse to recite the anthem. The goal is to protect important national symbols and religious places from harm.
4. Sponsored by the Speaker
The bill is sponsored by Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives. His support for the bill highlights its importance in the national agenda. With the Speaker backing it, the bill is likely to gain more support in the House.
5. Scope of Offenses
The bill addresses a variety of offenses beyond not reciting the anthem, such as setting up illegal roadblocks, imposing unauthorized curfews, and organizing unlawful protests. These provisions are meant to maintain public order and prevent activities that could disrupt the peace in the country.
6. Forceful Takeover Penalty
The bill also targets individuals who forcefully take over places like worship centers, schools, or other premises. Such actions could result in a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both. This is intended to protect these places from being illegally seized or misused.
7. Sovereignty Violations
The bill proposes penalties for people who pledge loyalty to organisations that do not respect Nigeria’s sovereignty. If convicted, they could face a fine of N3 million, a four-year prison sentence, or both. This part of the bill is meant to safeguard the country’s unity and independence.
8. Second Reading Pending
The bill is currently waiting for its second reading in the House of Representatives, where lawmakers will discuss its general ideas. This step is important as it will show how much support the bill has and whether any changes will be made before it can become law.
9. Reinstated National Anthem
The bill follows a recent decision by President Bola Tinubu to bring back Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” This anthem was replaced in 1978, and its return is part of a larger effort to revive a sense of national pride and reconnect with Nigeria’s history.
10. Historical Context
The re-adopted anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was originally written in 1959 by Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda. It was replaced by the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” in 1978. The return of the old anthem symbolizes a desire to return to the values that shaped Nigeria during its early years of independence.