Kunle Adelabu
Residents of Ikorodu, have expressed divergent views on the Counter Subversion Bill, 2024 (HB 1652), sponsored by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.
The bill was introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., as the sponsor.
The Bill falls within the realm of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework, and it seeks to address subversive activities by associations, organisations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed groups in Nigeria.
It prescribes N5million fine or 10 years imprisonment or both for anyone that is found guilty of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge, defacing a place of worship with intent to incite violence or undermining the Federal Government.
Several residents have, however, expressed their views on THE IMPACT platform, regarding the bill.
Mr Adekunle Razaq Aderibigbe (ARA), a former candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the Ikorodu Constituency I seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, leading the discourse, asked if the recitation of the national anthem is a prerequisite for citizenship.
“Has it been considered as a requirement for being a Citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?
“If I am a citizen by birth … I can’t be compelled to chant what I don’t know before being awarded my citizenship”, he said.
While reacting to Bayode Olawunmi who supported the bill, Aderibigbe further said:
“Sorry, I would like to know what section of the constitution compels citizens to recite National Anthem & Pledge”.
Ogbeni Wunmi Amusa, another participant, described the bill as not necessary.
“Misplaced priority… Ninu gbogbo rogbodiyan yi (in the face of all these economic and social challenges)!”.
A public commentator, Tayo Odesanya who is also opposed to the House position, asked:
“What happens to those whose religious beliefs hold otherwise; e.g Jehovah Witnesses?”.
He also warned the House against anything that can further incite the masses against the public.
“He (Speaker Tajudeen Abbas) should be reminded of how a bill triggered the Kenya unrest, in case he’s amnesiac”.
Emphasizing Odesanya’s position, ARA said:
” We want to send them to 10 years imprisonment without other options. Even the Deaf and Dumbs will follow”.
A proponent of the bill, Bayode Olawunmi Treasures, sees it as nationalistic on the part of the sponsor, and enjoined every citizenry to see it as an obligation.
“Your National Anthem is an important part of a nation’s sovereignty, that includes the national flag and the country’s currency.
“Let’s not trivialize every issue”, he said.
He quoted sections of the constitution to support his position.
“The National Anthem Act (Cap N1, LFN 2004): This Act provides for the adoption of the national anthem and specifies when it should be played or sung, such as during official government events, schools, and public gatherings.
“The Constitution of Nigeria (Section 15(3)): While it doesn’t explicitly requires citizens to recite the national anthem, it states that the state shall “encourage the development of Nigerian culture” and “promote national unity.”
“Education policies: Many schools in Nigeria, require students to sing the national anthem during assembly or other school events.
“While there is no explicit constitutional requirement for citizens to recite the national anthem, these laws and policies encourage its recitation or singing on specific occasions to promote national unity, patriotism, and respect for the country”, he emphasised.
Bayode, responding to Amusa who said that the bill is unnecessary at this time of social and economic challenges, said:
“Really? What’s the priority then? I hope you understand what nation building is. It does not starts and ends with food alone.
“Our sense of patriotism is practically non – existent. No nation can move forward in such circumstances.
“The bane of Nigeria fulfilling her potential is lack of patriotism from the citizens; either leaders or followers”, he added.
He further averred that:
“Ignorance is not an excuse in law. As a citizen, the constitution compels you to know and recite the national Anthem and Pledge. This is not a duty, but an obligation.
“Please, check the constitution to fact check.
“Paying tax, reciting the national pledge and anthem are on the same pedestal in law. Unlike voting, which is a mere duty”, he said.
Femi Adinlewa, the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikorodu Division, who is also in support of the bill, said:
“The citizens of this country so hate their country and leaders, it’s so unfortunate”.
Henry Ikuesan, who did not state whether he’s opposed or in support of the bill, queried why the bill is coming now that the government is asking citizens who are experiencing hardship, to bear with her.
“Since the government is begging people for more time to endure sufferings going on right now, why are they so in a haste with that bill. Passed second reading already. Can’t they be patient as well?”, he asked rhetorically.
In his response to Henry, Aderibgbe said:
“Whenever they are passing a bill with speed … They need to fix something very important by the side, while feeding Nigerians with content to distract them.
“What is the connection between the Objects of the Bill and the major issues the government is dealing with at the moment???”, he equally asked rhetorically.
