Abbas Tajudeen Withdraws Counter Subversion Bill Amid Backlash

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has officially withdrawn the Counter Subversion Bill, which he had previously sponsored.

EKO HOT BLOG gathered that the bill proposed severe penalties for individuals and organizations found guilty of engaging in activities deemed subversive. The bill sought to impose imprisonment ranging from two to twenty-five years or fines between N2 million and N15 million on those convicted.

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The bill, House Bill 1652, was presented to the House and gazetted on July 23, 2024, along with three other bills also sponsored by the Speaker: the Counter Sabotage Bill 2024 (HB 1651), the Counter-Insurgency Bill 2024 (HB 1653), and the Espionage (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill 2024 (HB 1654).

The primary goal of the Counter Subversion Bill, as outlined in the document, was to establish a legal framework for detecting, preventing, investigating, criminalizing, prosecuting, and sanctioning subversive activities. It also aimed to regulate the procedures for enforcing these provisions.

Following public concerns and extensive consultations with various stakeholders, the Speaker issued a statement announcing the withdrawal of the bill.

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The statement, titled “Withdrawal of the Counter Subversion and Other Related Bills,” was signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi. In it, the Speaker emphasized that his decision was made in response to the concerns and voices of the people, reiterating his commitment to unity and the public’s interest.

The bill, which contained 24 clauses, outlined various offenses and corresponding penalties.

These included activities that incite mutual suspicion, mistrust, or intolerance, leading to conflict or violence, which would have been punishable by a fine of N5 million or ten years’ imprisonment. Other offenses included illegal roadblocks, unauthorized processions, and actions that undermine national security, all of which carried severe penalties.

In response to the significant attention and concerns raised by the public, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen decided to withdraw the bill, reinforcing his dedication to upholding peace, unity, and the interests of the nation.

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