The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn the Counter Subversion Bill and related draft legislation following widespread public outcry.

The decision, announced in a press statement by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, on Wednesday, was made after extensive consultations with various stakeholders and a thorough assessment of the current national climate.

Introduced on July 23, 2024, the Counter Subversion Bill had ignited public debate over concerns about its potential impact on civil liberties.

The statement read, “In response to public concerns, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation. This decision reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House of Representatives truly represents the will of the people.”

Krishi emphasized that the withdrawal highlights Tajudeen’s dedication to upholding peace and unity within the nation.

“Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, a staunch advocate for the people’s interests, has always prioritized listening to citizens and fostering unity. This decision reaffirms his commitment to maintaining the House as a true reflection of the people’s voice.

“He understands the significance of the concerns raised about the bill and reaffirms his stance against any action that could disrupt national harmony. The public is hereby informed of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and other related proposals introduced on July 23, 2024,” he added.

The Counter Subversion Bill 2024 gained significant attention on social media after passing its first reading and moving to the second reading, where its general principles were set to be debated. The bill proposed severe penalties for Nigerians who failed to recite the newly approved national anthem or who abused politicians and community leaders, including fines of up to N5 million and prison sentences ranging from five to ten years.