The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has withdrawn the Counter Subversion Bill, which was introduced in the House on July 23. The decision follows extensive consultations with stakeholders, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi.
The bill, as reported by pathwaynews on Tuesday, proposed a 25-year imprisonment or a fine of N10 million, or both, for individuals convicted of making statements or taking actions that lead to separatist agitation or inter-group or sectional conflicts in the country.
The legislation, sponsored by Abbas, also stated that anyone found guilty of illegal roadblocks, unauthorized road traffic functions, imposition of illegal curfews, or conducting illegal processions would face a fine of N2 million or a five-year jail term, or both.
Additionally, the bill proposed a fine of N5 million or 10 years imprisonment, or both, for those convicted of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge, or defacing or abusing places of worship with the intent to cause violence and subvert the Government of Nigeria.
The proposed legislation had sparked concerns across the polity. In an earlier statement also signed by Krishi, the Speaker noted that the parliament remains open to a robust debate on the bill.
