ON the heels of the recent uproar that greeted the “Counter Subversion Bill”, the ICIR took a deep dive into the bill on what to know about the bill and how it conflicts with relevant sections of the constitution.
The bill has 25 sections with several restrictions on people’s expressive rights.
Already, many Nigerians berated the members and the Speaker of the Federal House Of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas for tinkering with such bills when the nation is bedevilled with all manner of problems.
Former Minister of Education and a social critic, Oby Ezekwesili had informed the lawmakers to prepare for her prosecution as she wouldn’t honour the bill if passed.
“Get ready to prosecute me,” Ezekwesili said in reaction to the proposed #CounterSubversionBill which seeks to penalise anyone found guilty of refusing to recite the national anthem, among other rights issues.
A social critique and political affairs analyst, Katch Ononuju, said that the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, has realised through the uproar generated by the bill that Nigeria is currently walking through a delicate balance with no room for such kind of “draconian bill”
“The Nigerian nation doesn’t need this type of distraction now. What the government should be talking about now is a quasi-government of national unity that brings everyone together. We just came out of protest and Nigerians are currently going through lots of difficulties already,” he said.
Political analysts and rights activists believe that any bill that is anti-people and doesn’t seek to bring succour to the ordinary man and alleviate people’s sufferings is useless.
A professor of Political Science and International Relations and director of Strategic Partnership at Al-Muhibbah University, Abuja, Muhktar Imam, who reacted to the development told THE ICIR that Democracy is essentially about giving back to society and it’s essentially about good governance and giving back to the downtrodden.
He observed, however, that some sections of the constitution had already dealt with key issues raised in the controversial bill which hitherto, contravenes the bill since the constitution is supreme.
“Democracy is not a draconian system and doesn’t allow you to impose your will on the people, however, good or bad. I don’t see why the bill would have emerged in the first place as Section 34 -41 of the constitution speaks to the issues of treason and treasonable felony and citizens revolt against the state and limits of revolt,” he further said.
A social critique, Ezekiel Zang reacting to the bill said, “Nigeria needs lawmakers who can think outside the box solving intractable problems.
“We don’t need laws creating a box around Nigerians or caging them,” he further said.
Some political analysts believe the House of Representatives should seek a 10-year prison sentence with hard labour and a N5 million fine for Nigerians who lied under oath, embezzled public funds, or forged certificates to attain public office, not Nigerians who refuse to recite the national anthem.
On Tuesday, August 14, a document titled the Counter Subversion Bill 2024 sparked widespread controversy on social media.
Sponsored by the speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the bill has already passed its first reading but was later withdrawn following public outcry by many Nigerians.
The bill proposes severe penalties for Nigerians who fail to recite the newly approved national anthem or insult politicians and community leaders.
Major provisions of the bill include:
1. Penalty for national anthem violations: Failure to recite the national anthem or pledge could result in a fine of up to N5 million, a prison sentence of five to ten years, or both.
2. Destruction of national symbols: Anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols or defacing a place of worship with intent to incite violence will face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
3. Unauthorised activities: Setting up illegal roadblocks, performing unauthorised traffic duties, imposing illegal curfews, or organising unlawful processions could lead to a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both.
4. Insulting leadership: Insulting, defaming, or bringing disrepute to community, religious, or government leaders carries a fine of N4 million or a two-year prison sentence.
5. Threatening national security: Engaging in activities that foster mistrust, intolerance, or violence threatening Nigeria’s peace and security could result in a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison term, or both.
6. Illegal occupation of public or private spaces: Forcefully taking over places like worship centres, schools, or public arenas can lead to a fine of N5 million or up to 10 years in prison.
7. Disregarding Nigerian sovereignty: Pledging loyalty to or supporting organisations disregarding Nigeria’s sovereignty could result in a fine of N3 million or a four-year prison sentence.
8. Foreign interference: Receiving financial or political support from foreign entities that conflict with Nigeria’s interests could lead to a fine of N15 million or a 20-year prison term.
9. Undermining national security: Any activities that disrupt community harmony, disturb peaceful coexistence, or undermine national security could result in a fine of N3 million, five years in prison, or both.
10. Disobedience to authority: Persistently disobeying or disrespecting constituted authority could lead to a three-year prison sentence on the first offence and seven years for subsequent offences, or a fine of N5 million.
In response to public outcry, Abbas defended the bill, stating that its primary aim is to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework by addressing subversive activities, similar to laws in countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, and Canada.
He emphasised that the House of Representatives, as the “People’s House,” encourages robust public engagement and welcomes input from Nigerians to shape the outcome of the legislation.
Harrison Edeh is a journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, always determined to drive advocacy for good governance through holding public officials and businesses accountable.