Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has withdrawn the contentious Counter Subversion and Other Related Bills, which sought to impose a 10-year jail term on those who refuse to sing Nigeria’s reintroduced national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
The decision to withdraw the bill came after significant public backlash and opposition, including criticism from prominent figures like former Minister Oby Ezekwesili and activist Aisha Yesufu. The bill, introduced in July as a means to enforce the recitation of the newly reinstated anthem, had faced intense scrutiny and disapproval from Nigerians, who argued that it was a misplaced priority amidst the country’s pressing socio-economic and security challenges.
In a statement released by his spokesman, Musa Krishi, Abbas explained that his decision to withdraw the bill was made after “careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances,” and to maintain the House’s commitment as the “People’s House.” Abbas acknowledged the concerns raised by the public and emphasized that he would never support any measure that could threaten the peace and unity of Nigeria.
The public was officially notified of the bill’s withdrawal, signaling Abbas’ responsiveness to the voices of the citizens.
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