The House of Representatives has introduced the Counter Subversion Bill 2024, proposing severe penalties for those who fail to recite the national anthem.
Under the bill, individuals who refuse to recite the anthem, destroy national symbols, or deface places of worship could face fines of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the bill also targets illegal activities such as unauthorized roadblocks, traffic duties, curfews, and unlawful processions, with offenders facing fines of N2 million and up to five years in prison. Additionally, individuals who forcibly take over public or private spaces or pledge allegiance to organizations that undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty could be fined N5 million or imprisoned for 10 years.
The bill, which is set for its second reading, also includes provisions for those supporting or belonging to organizations that disregard Nigerian sovereignty, carrying fines of N3 million or four years in prison. This legislation follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent reversion to Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” adopted in 1959.
