Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has responded to the escalating apprehensions and conversations around his proposed “Counter Subversion Bill, 2024 (HB. 1652)”.
This is in reaction to a number of media pieces that discuss the goals and effects of the proposed legislation.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his media assistant, Musa Krishi, the Speaker acknowledged that the Bill touches on important matters of national security while also expressing his gratitude for the interest Nigerians have shown in it.
To guarantee that the general public is aware of the purpose of the Bill and the parliamentary process, he did, however, underscore the necessity of making a few clarifications.
According to the announcement, on July 23, 2024, the Counter Subversion Bill was introduced in the House of Representatives.
The statement read, “It is currently at the introductory stage and has not yet been subjected to detailed legislative scrutiny.
“The Bill aims to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework by addressing subversive activities carried out by various groups, including associations, organizations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed entities.
“This is in line with similar legislation in countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Turkey, Canada, and Australia.”
Reiterating that the House of Representatives is the “People’s House,” the Speaker praised active public participation and debates over the Bill’s provisions.
He emphasized that the opinions and concerns expressed by Nigerians have a critical role in determining how the legislation is ultimately drafted.
The statement further added, “The bill must undergo a series of rigorous parliamentary procedures. It will be listed for a Second Reading, where its merits and demerits will be thoroughly debated by the Members of the House.
“During this stage, the bill could either be rejected or allowed to proceed to the next stage.
“If the bill passes the Second Reading, it will be referred to the relevant House Committee, which will be responsible for further legislative action.
“The committee is mandated to invite the Nigerian public, particularly relevant stakeholders, to a public hearing.
“Citizens will have the opportunity to express their views either in person or through written submissions, which will inform the committee’s report to the House.”
He added, “After the committee’s report is considered, the Bill will proceed to the Third Reading.
“If passed, it will be sent to the Senate for concurrence. Should the Senate approve the Bill, it will then be forwarded to the President for assent.
“The President holds the right to either sign the Bill into law or withhold his assent.”
The measure is drafted with the “broader interests of national security in mind and does not target any specific group or section of the country,” Abbas further reassured Nigerians.
He underlined that there are many opportunities for public engagement and input throughout the open and inclusive legislative process.
“All draft legislation before the House, including the Counter Subversion Bill, will undergo thorough scrutiny and that the voices of Nigerians will play a crucial role in determining the outcome,” the speaker reaffirmed in closing.