The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has officially withdrawn the highly contentious Counter Subversion Bill, along with other related draft legislations, following widespread public concern and criticism.
The decision was announced on Wednesday through a press statement issued by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi. According to the statement, the move came after extensive consultations with key stakeholders and a careful consideration of the nation’s current socio-political climate.
The Counter Subversion Bill, introduced on July 23, 2024, quickly ignited public debate, with many expressing fears over its potential threat to civil liberties.
“In response to the voices and concerns of the people, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation,” the statement read. “His decision reflects a commitment to ensuring that the House of Representatives remains a true representation of the people’s will.”
Musa Krishi emphasized that the withdrawal highlights Tajudeen’s dedication to safeguarding the nation’s peace and unity. “Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, a staunch advocate of the people’s interests, has always prioritized listening to citizens and fostering national cohesion. His decision is a testament to his resolve to maintain the House as a true ‘People’s House.’”
Krishi further stated, “The Speaker recognizes the gravity of the concerns raised and the intense attention the Bill has received. He reaffirms his stance against supporting any legislation that could potentially disrupt the peace and unity of our nation. The public is hereby notified of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and other related drafts introduced on July 23, 2024.”
The Counter Subversion Bill gained widespread attention on social media earlier this week, after it passed its first reading in the House and was set for debate on its general principles on July 23. The bill proposed severe penalties, including fines up to N5 million and prison sentences ranging from five to 10 years, for individuals who failed to recite the newly approved national anthem or who were found guilty of insulting politicians or community leaders.
The bill’s withdrawal has been met with relief by civil rights groups and concerned citizens, who viewed it as a dangerous overreach with potentially chilling effects on free speech and democratic engagement.
