On Tuesday, a document titled the Counter Subversion Bill 2024 sparked widespread controversy on social media.
Sponsored by speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the bill has already passed its first reading.
The bill proposes severe penalties for Nigerians who fail to recite the newly approved national anthem or insult politicians and community leaders.
Major provisions of the bill include:
1. Penalty for national anthem violations: Failure to recite the national anthem or pledge could result in a fine of up to N5 million, a prison sentence of five to ten years, or both.
2. Destruction of national symbols: Anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols or defacing a place of worship with intent to incite violence will face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
3. Unauthorised activities: Setting up illegal roadblocks, performing unauthorised traffic duties, imposing illegal curfews, or organising unlawful processions could lead to a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both.
4. Insulting leadership: Insulting, defaming, or bringing disrepute to community, religious, or government leaders carries a fine of N4 million or a two-year prison sentence.
5. Threatening national security: Engaging in activities that foster mistrust, intolerance, or violence threatening Nigeria’s peace and security could result in a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison term, or both.
6. Illegal occupation of public or private spaces: Forcefully taking over places like worship centres, schools, or public arenas can lead to a fine of N5 million or up to 10 years in prison.
7. Disregarding Nigerian sovereignty: Pledging loyalty to or supporting organisations disregarding Nigeria’s sovereignty could result in a fine of N3 million or a four-year prison sentence.
8. Foreign interference: Receiving financial or political support from foreign entities that conflict with Nigeria’s interests could lead to a fine of N15 million or a 20-year prison term.
9. Undermining national security: Any activities that disrupt community harmony, disturb peaceful coexistence, or undermine national security could result in a fine of N3 million, five years in prison, or both.
10. Disobedience to authority: Persistently disobeying or disrespecting constituted authority could lead to a three-year prison sentence on the first offence and seven years for subsequent offences, or a fine of N5 million.
In response to public outcry, Abbas defended the bill, stating that its primary aim is to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework by addressing subversive activities, similar to laws in countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, and Canada.
He emphasised that the House of Representatives, as the “People’s House,” encourages robust public engagement and welcomes input from Nigerians to shape the outcome of the legislation.
