In response to widespread public outcry, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has withdrawn the Counter Subversion Bill. The proposed legislation, introduced on July 23, 2024, sparked intense debate and criticism for its severe penalties, including fines and prison sentences, for actions such as refusing to recite the national anthem, vandalizing national symbols, and undermining the Federal Government.
The withdrawal follows extensive consultations with stakeholders and careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances. Speaker Abbas emphasized his commitment to listening to citizens and fostering unity, acknowledging the significance of the concerns raised and the attention the Bill garnered.
The decision to withdraw the Bill has been welcomed by critics, including former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who described the proposed legislation as “buffoonery” and predicted it would lead to an earlier-than-expected resurgence of the #EndBadGovernance movement. Sowore had called on federal lawmakers to promptly withdraw the Bill or face a shutdown of the National Assembly.