Nigeria Speaker Withdraws Controversial National Anthem Bill
House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has withdrawn a controversial bill that proposed a 10-year jail term for refusing to sing Nigeria’s recently reintroduced national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
The decision comes after widespread public outcry and criticism from citizens who viewed the legislation as an infringement on personal freedoms and a distraction from more pressing national issues.
The bill, part of the Counter Subversion and Other Related Bills, was introduced following President Bola Tinubu’s reinstatement of the old national anthem on May 29, 2024. It faced immediate backlash from Nigerians across various sectors, including prominent figures like former Minister Oby Ezekwesili and activist Aisha Yesufu, who argued that it violated citizens’ rights and misallocated legislative focus.
Abbas, through his spokesperson Musa Krishi, announced the bill’s withdrawal on Wednesday. He cited “careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances” as the reason for the decision, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring the House of Representatives remains responsive to public will.
The Speaker assured the public that he would not support any legislation potentially harmful to national peace and unity. This move has been widely perceived as a victory for public opinion and a demonstration of government responsiveness to citizens’ concerns.
The withdrawal comes at a time when Nigeria faces significant socio-economic and security challenges, with many calling for legislative focus on these critical issues rather than symbolic gestures. The incident has sparked broader discussions about legislative priorities and the balance between national unity initiatives and personal freedoms in Nigeria.
