Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen has responded to concerns about the “Counter Subversion Bill, 2024,” which he sponsored. The bill has passed its second reading and has been criticized on social media as “dictatorial.” It proposes penalties for not standing or reciting the national anthem, as well as for destroying national symbols, defacing places of worship to incite violence, and undermining the Federal Government. Offenders could face fines up to N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both. The bill also proposes fines and imprisonment for setting up illegal roadblocks, unauthorized traffic duties, illegal curfews, or unlawful processions….READ FULL ARTICLE...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
In his response, released by his media aide, Musa Krishi, Tajudeen acknowledged the bill’s controversial nature and its importance to national security, noting that similar laws exist in countries like the UK, Spain, and India. He stated that the bill will undergo further scrutiny in a second reading, where House members will debate its merits. If it passes, it will proceed to a relevant committee for additional legislative action.
According to him; ‘’The attention of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D has been drawn to reports in sections of the media about the Counter Subversion Bill, which he sponsored.
The Speaker appreciates the interest Nigerians have so far shown in the Bill, which pertains to our national security.
However, it has become necessary to make the following clarifications, considering the tilted reports and misconceptions about the Bill:
1. The Counter Subversion Bill, 2024 (HB. 1652) was introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D. as the sponsor. Thus, the Bill is still at the introductory stage.
2. The Bill falls within the realm of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework, and it seeks to address subversive activities by associations, organisations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed groups in Nigeria.
3. Similar legislation obtains in other climes with varied appellations. Such countries include the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Turkey, Canada, Australia, among others.
4. The Speaker, and by extension the House of Representatives, which is the People’s House, welcome robust engagements and discussions from Nigerians on the contents of the Bill, and how best to address the concerns raised.
5. By Parliamentary processes and procedures, the Bill would have to be listed for Second Reading, where Members will thoroughly scrutinize its merits and demerits during debate. At this stage, Members can decide to ‘kill’ or allow the Bill to pass. But if it scales Second Reading, it would be referred to the relevant Committee of the House for further legislative action.
6. The Committee must as a matter of responsibility invite the Nigerian public, particularly relevant stakeholders, to a public hearing on the Bill. It is expected that citizens would bear their minds either physically or via memoranda on the Bill. Their inputs would form the basis for the Committee’s report, to be laid on the floor of the House.
7. After the consideration of the report, the Bill will be passed for the Third Reading and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence. If the Senate deems it fit and concurs with the Bill, a clean copy would be transmitted to the President for assent. Mr. President reserves the right to withhold assent to the Bill.
The Speaker assures Nigerians that the Bill is all-encompassing as it relates to Nigeria’s national security and does not target any group or section of the country.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D further promises that the Bill, and indeed any other draft legislation before the House, will pass through all the legislative processes, and Nigerians would have ample opportunity to make their inputs, which will constitute the final consideration (or otherwise) of the Bill.”…READ FULL ARTICLE
