Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has officially withdrawn the controversial Counter Subversion Bill, which had sparked significant public outrage. The proposed legislation sought to impose a 10-year prison sentence, a fine of N5 million, or both, on individuals who refused to recite the national anthem and pledge.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Musa Krishi, it was revealed that Speaker Abass made the decision after extensive consultations and careful consideration of the concerns expressed by various stakeholders.
“Following the voices and concerns of the people, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation,” Krishi stated.
He further emphasized that Speaker Abass, who has always been a “champion of the people’s interests,” made the decision to reflect his commitment to ensuring that the House of Representatives remains aligned with the will of the people.
“Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has always prioritized listening to the citizens and fostering unity. His decision reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the People’s House,” the statement continued. “He acknowledges the significance of the concerns raised and the attention the Bill has garnered, reaffirming that he will never support any action that might disrupt the peace and unity of our nation.”
The Counter Subversion Bill, which had been introduced on July 23, 2024, is now officially withdrawn, along with any related legislation. This move comes as a response to the widespread public criticism the bill had attracted.
