Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen has withdrawn the Counter Subversion bill which prescribes up to 25 years imprisonment or a fine of up to N15 million both on individuals and organizations found guilty of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge or undermining the Federal Government among other acts.
The bill which has now been withdrawn by the Speaker also provided that a person, group or organisation that disobeys or disrespects constituted authority commits an offence and faces upto 3 years at the first instance and seven years for a subsequent offence or fine of five million naira or both.
The Speaker who sponsored the bill issued an initial statement explaining that the heavily criticized bill was not targeted at any individual or group.
But the Speaker then issued a fresh statement signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi stating that he was withdrawing the bill in response to the voices and concerns of the people.
