THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen, has finally caved in to public pressure and withdrawn the Counter-Subversion Bill.

The Bill provides that Nigerians who refuse or fail to recite the national anthem would be liable to 10-year imprisonment, a fine of N5million, or both.

It also seeks to punish anyone who professes loyalty to an organisation that disregards the country’s sovereignty, with four-year imprisonment or a fine of N3million.

The Speaker had earlier in the day defended the Bill, saying it was all-encompassing, as it relates to Nigeria’s national security and does not target any group or section of the country.

    Abbas, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Musa Krishi, on Wednesday, August 14, said the action was in response to the voices and concerns expressed by Nigerians.

According to Krishi, the decision to withdraw the Bill followed his extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and a careful consideration of the country’s current circumstances, noting that Abbas has always prioritised listening to the citizens and fostering unity and his decision reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the people’s House.

“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 public is hereby notified of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and other related ones introduced on July 23, 2024.”