The House of Representatives has introduced a new bill, titled the Counter Subversion Bill 2024, aimed at enforcing strict penalties on Nigerians who refuse to recite the national anthem.
Under the proposed legislation, individuals found guilty of not reciting the national anthem could face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
The bill also stipulates that anyone who destroys a national symbol or a place of worship will be subject to the same penalties.
The bill, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is scheduled for its second reading, during which its general principles will be debated.
The Bill “stipulates that anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge, defacing a place of worship with intent to incite violence, or undermining the Federal Government shall face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both”.
Also, the bill “states that anyone who sets up an illegal roadblock, performs unauthorised traffic duties, imposes an illegal curfew, or organises an unlawful procession will be subject to a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both upon conviction”.
“any person who forcefully takes over any place of worship, town hall, school premises, public or private place, arena, or a similar place through duress, undue influence, subterfuge or other similar activities, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5 million or imprisonment for a term of 10 years or both”.
“A person who professes loyalty, pledges or agrees to belong to an organisation that disregards the sovereignty of Nigeria, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N3 million or imprisonment for a term of four years or both,” it also added among others.
