Breaking: Speaker withdraws controversial National Anthem fine bill amid protest

Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has withdrawn the contentious bill that sought to impose a N5 million fine on Nigerians who refuse to recite the national anthem.

The bill, which also proposed a possible 10-year prison sentence for offenders, was met with significant opposition from the public, prompting the lawmaker to retract it.

The bill’s withdrawal follows intense criticism from citizens, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups, who denounced the legislation as oppressive and a violation of fundamental rights. One of the most vocal critics, the Take It Back Movement, had vowed to lead nationwide protests if the bill advanced.

In response to the widespread outrage, Hon. Tajudeen decided to pull the bill from further consideration, recognizing the strong public disapproval.

The proposal, which included harsh penalties for refusing to recite the national anthem and for desecrating national symbols, had sparked widespread concern over the potential for further curtailment of civil liberties in Nigeria.

With the bill now off the table, many Nigerians have expressed a sense of relief, viewing this as a significant win for democratic engagement and the protection of individual freedoms.