Reps Speaker, Abbas Bows to Pressure Withdraws Controversial ‘Counter Subversion Bill’

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has withdrawn the “Counter Subversion Bill, 2024” earlier sponsored in the House.

FACTSHEET reported that the bill was beginning to elicit concerns among Nigerian and the civil society. The  sought to criminalise non-recitation of the National Anthem and the defacing of Nigeria’s national symbols among other provisions.

Earlier, civil rights group, the Take It Back Movement had alerted Nigerians on the dangers posed by the bill should it be passed into law.

The Speaker who earlier denied that the bill was targeted at emasculating the fundamental rights of the people declared that the bill was sponsored with the intension of enhancing the fight against terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.

However, a in bold move, the speaker through a statement signed by his media adviser, Musa Abdulahi Kirshi summarily announced the withdrawal of the bill on Wednesday afternoon, hours after the bill was subjected to media scrutiny.

The Speaker revealed that he had to withdraw the bill after an “extensive consultations” with stakeholders and also in consideration of the current mood of the nation.

The statement reads:

“In response to the voices and concerns of the people, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation.

 

“This decision follows his extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and a careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.

 

“Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, a champion of the people’s interests, has always prioritized listening to the citizens and fostering unity. His decision reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the People’s House.

 

“He acknowledges the significance of the concerns raised and the attention the Bill has garnered, reaffirming that he will never support any action that might disrupt the peace and unity of our nation.

 

“The public is hereby notified of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and other related ones introduced on July 23, 2024.