The House of Representatives has introduced the Counter Subversion Bill 2024, which proposes severe penalties for Nigerians who refuse to recite the national anthem. According to the bill, 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 extends these penalties to those who destroy national symbols or deface places of worship. Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the bill is scheduled for its second reading, where its general principles will be debated. It outlines that anyone guilty of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge, or undermining the Federal Government could face similar penalties.
Additionally, the bill addresses other offenses, such as setting up illegal roadblocks, performing unauthorized traffic duties, imposing illegal curfews, or organizing unlawful processions. Convicted individuals could be fined N2 million, sentenced to five years in prison, or both.
The bill further states that forcibly taking over places of worship, town halls, schools, or similar public or private spaces through coercion or deceit is an offense punishable by a fine of N5 million, 10 years in prison, or both. It also stipulates that anyone who pledges loyalty to an organization that disregards Nigeria’s sovereignty could face a fine of N3 million, four years in prison, or both.
In May, President Bola Tinubu signed into law a bill restoring Nigeria’s old national anthem, which had been replaced by a military government in 1978. The newly re-adopted anthem, titled “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda.
