Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the House of Representatives, has clarified that the Counter Subversion Bill 2024 is still in its introductory stage.
The bill, which he sponsored, proposes penalties for refusing to recite the national anthem, destroying national symbols, or defacing places of worship.
Abbas assured Nigerians that the bill is comprehensive and does not target any specific group or section of the country. He promised that the bill would undergo all necessary legislative processes, allowing for ample public input before its consideration.
The Speaker while clarifying a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Musa Krishi in Abuja on Wednesday, said that 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.
He further explained that Similar legislation obtains in other climes with varied appellations. Such countries include the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Turkey, Canada, and Australia, among others.
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.
He said 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 the debate.
He said “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.
After the bill passes through a second reading, 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.
“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.
“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 therefore assured 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.
He further promises that the Bill, and indeed any other draft legislation before the House, will pass through all the legislative processes, and Nigerians will have ample opportunity to make their inputs, which will constitute the final consideration (or otherwise) of the Bill.
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