Reps Suggest 10-Year Prison and N5m Fine for Anthem Non-Recital

Nigerian lawmakers propose a bill imposing up to 10 years in jail and a N5 million fine for those who refuse to recite the national anthem.

Nigeria’s Counter Subversion Bill 2024 has been proposed by the House of Representatives, with the intent to enforce severe repercussions on individuals who are unable to recite their national anthem.

Under the suggested bill, individuals who decline to recite the national anthem may incur a penalty of either N5 million fine or up to 10 years imprisonment, and in some cases both.

The same penalty shall apply to those who vandalize a national emblem or desecrate a place of worship.

The proposed legislation, endorsed by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is scheduled for its second reading during which there will be discussions on its fundamental concepts.

The Bill mandates that those who engage in actions such as destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge, defacing a place of worship with intent to incite violence or undermining it will face legal consequences.

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The proposed legislation stipulates that individuals who establish illicit roadblocks, assume unsanctioned traffic responsibilities, enforce an illegal curfew or arrange prohibited rallies could face a penalty of N2 million and/or up to five years imprisonment if found guilty.

In addition, anyone who seizes control of a place of worship, town hall, school or any public or private location using coercion, deceitful methods or other comparable tactics would be committing an offense and could face either a N5 million fine upon conviction or imprisonment for up to 10 years.

As per the statement, anyone who declares their allegiance and vows to be a member of an organization that disavows Nigeria’s sovereignty has transgressed the law. Upon being found guilty, they may face either imprisonment of up to four years or a fine amounting to N3 million – in addition to other applicable penalties.

The bill to restore Nigeria’s previous national anthem, which had been removed by a military regime in 1978, was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu during the month of May.

Lillian Jean Williams wrote the anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” in 1959 and it was composed by Frances Berda. This recently re-adopted national anthem of Nigeria is now being used again.