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Reps Propose N5 Million Fine, 10-Year Jail for Not Reciting National Anthem
The House of Representatives has introduced the Counter Subversion Bill 2024, which proposes severe penalties for Nigerians who refuse to recite the national anthem.
Under the proposed legislation, individuals who fail to recite the national anthem could face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
The same penalties would apply to those who destroy national symbols or places of worship.
Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the Bill is set for its second reading, during which its general principles will be debated.
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It stipulates that those found guilty of damaging national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem or pledge, defacing places of worship with the intent to incite violence, or undermining the Federal Government could be fined N5 million, sentenced to 10 years in prison, or both.
EKO HOT BLOG notes that the Bill also proposes fines and imprisonment for various other offenses, including setting up illegal roadblocks, performing unauthorized traffic duties, imposing unlawful curfews, or organizing unauthorized processions. Offenders in these categories could face a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both.
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Additionally, those who forcibly take over public or private places, such as worship centers, schools, or town halls, through duress or similar means, could be fined N5 million or face up to 10 years in prison, or both. Anyone who pledges allegiance to an organization that disregards Nigeria’s sovereignty could be fined N3 million or imprisoned for up to four years, or both.
In May, President Bola Tinubu signed a bill to restore Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda. This anthem replaced the version introduced by the military government in 1978.
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