The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has announced the withdrawal of a controversial bill he had sponsored, which proposed jail terms for individuals who embarrass or disrespect government officials. The announcement was made through an official post on the House of Representatives’ X account, citing the Speaker’s response to public concerns.
The decision to withdraw the “Counter Subversion Bill” came after extensive consultations with various stakeholders and careful consideration of the nation’s current situation. The bill, introduced on July 24, had faced significant criticism for its provisions, which included criminalizing the refusal to recite the national anthem and imposing the death penalty for separatist activities that result in fatalities.
Amnesty International Nigeria had also condemned the bill, arguing that it violated international human rights standards and could be misused to suppress dissent and target political opponents. In response to the growing opposition, Speaker Tajudeen decided to withdraw the bill, acknowledging the public’s concerns and the potential for abuse if it were to be enacted.
