Abbas withdraws bill prescribing jail term for persons who refuse to sing anthem

The speaker faced significant backlash and opposition following the introduction of the bill, which proposed a 10-year prison sentence for individuals who refused to sing the newly reinstated anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee.”

In May, Abbas, along with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other lawmakers, passed the National Anthem Bill 2024 in their respective chambers.

On May 29, 2024, marking the one-year anniversary of the current administration, President Bola Tinubu signed the bill, reestablishing the old anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee,” in place of “Arise, O Compatriots.”

The decision drew criticism from many Nigerians, who labeled it a misallocation of priorities and deemed it ineffective in addressing the country’s pressing socio-economic and security issues. A number of citizens outright rejected “Nigeria, we hail thee,” insisting on retaining “Arise, O Compatriots.”

President Tinubu, however, defended the new anthem, stating that “Nigeria, we hail thee” embodies the nation’s diversity and represents the bond among its people.

In July, to enforce the recitation of the reintroduced anthem, Abbas proposed the Counter Subversion and Other Related Bills in the House. Although the bill progressed to a second reading, it faced significant resistance from prominent figures, including former Minister Oby Ezekwesili and activist Aisha Yesufu.

In response to public outcry, Abbas announced the withdrawal of the controversial draft legislation that sought to impose penalties on those who refused to sing the reintroduced anthem.

His spokesman, Musa Krishi, conveyed the decision on today, citing “careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.”

Krishi stated that Abbas is committed to ensuring the House is truly representative of the people.

“He (Abbas) recognizes the importance of the concerns raised and the attention the Bill has received, reaffirming that he will never endorse any action that could disrupt the peace and unity of our nation.

“The public is hereby informed of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and related proposals introduced on July 23, 2024.”