A bill aimed at penalizing Nigerians who refuse to recite the national anthem is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives, pending its second reading.
Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the bill proposes fines of N5 million or up to 10 years in prison, or both, for individuals who destroy national symbols, refuse to recite the national anthem or pledge, deface religious sites with the intent to incite violence or undermine the Federal Government.
Additionally, the bill outlines penalties for other offenses: a fine of N2 million, five years imprisonment, or both, for setting up illegal roadblocks, performing unauthorized traffic duties, imposing illegal curfews, or organizing unlawful processions.
For those convicted of insulting, defaming, or bringing disrepute to community, religious, or government leaders, the bill proposes a fine of N4 million or up to two years in prison.
Sections 2, 5, 6, and 10 of the bill further state that engaging in activities that foster mutual suspicion or intolerance, leading to conflict and threatening Nigeria’s peace and security, will result in fines of N5 million, a 10-year prison term, or both.
“A 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”.
Reactions to the bills
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has condemned the bill, urging Nigerians to oppose it completely.
On his X handle, he criticized the Speaker for attempting to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
Mr Effiong wrote, “Those undermining the country through corruption and harmful actions are now trying to further restrict our fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
He continued, “This bill represents a parliamentary coup aimed at dismantling our democracy. I call on all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, to reject and resist this draconian measure.”
Effiong added, “If this bill is enacted, it will mark the end of the right to dissent in Nigeria. We must stand against it in its entirety to protect our democratic freedoms.”
Also, the “Take It Back Movement”, a rights advocacy group, has announced plans for a nationwide protest against the proposed bill.