BREAKING: House of Reps withdraws bill seeking jail term for those refusing to recite new national anthem

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has rescinded the contentious Counter Subversion Bill stipulating that any Nigerian who refuses to recite the national anthem shall be fined N5 million, face a 10-year prison sentence, or both.

This decision ensued in response to the widespread indignation that was provoked by the bill.

Abbas declared the retraction of the bill on Wednesday through a communiqué disseminated by his spokesperson, Musa Krishi.

CREEBHILLS had reported on the proposal of the bill, which encompasses severe penalties for individuals who refuse to perform the national anthem.

Previously, Abbas had defended the proposal of the bill, asserting that it aligns with global practices.

Nevertheless, mere hours later, the Office of the Speaker released another statement announcing the withdrawal of the bill.

“The Speaker 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,” parts of the statement announcing the withdrawal of the bill read.