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On Tuesday, a controversial document entitled the Counter Subversion Bill 2024 went viral on social media.

The bill was sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, and it scaled through the first reading and proceeded to the second, where its general principles would be debated on July 23.

It aims to impose stringent penalties on Nigerians who fail to recite the newly approved national anthem or abuse politicians or community leaders.

According to the bill, anyone found guilty shall be fined up to N5 million and would face five to 10 years prison sentence or both.

Meanwhile, Nigerians have begun calling for the abolishment of the bill while describing it as “anti-people” and a “decree in democratic society”.

What the bill stipulates

The Bill “stipulates that anyone 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 shall face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.”

The Bill also “states that anyone who sets up an illegal roadblock, performs unauthorised traffic duties, imposes an illegal curfew, or organises an unlawful procession will be subject to a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both upon conviction”.

Also, any person who “forcefully takes over any place of worship, town hall, school, premises, public or private place, arena, or a similar place through duress, undue influence, subterfuge or other similar activities, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5 million or imprisonment for a term of 10 years or both.”

“A person who professes loyalty, pledges or agrees to belong to an organisation that disregards the sovereignty of Nigeria, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N3 million or imprisonment for a term of four years or both.”

“If you protest or set up an illegal roadblock, or perform unauthorised traffic duties, impose an illegal curfew, or organise an “unlawful” procession, you will be subjected to 5 years in prison with N2m fine or both upon conviction,” it added among others.

Why the introduction?

The bill was introduced to target activities perceived as threats to national security, stability, or public order.

Before now, many politicians, including executives and legislators believed that social media have been a platform where Nigerians express their freedom of speech without hassle as they could barely see many of them. However, there have been insinuations that infiltrators are using the same platform to destabilise the peace of the country without minding the authorities involved.

The recent example is the mixed reactions that followed the statement of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who reportedly said that hunger protesters should go ahead with their demonstration while they (politicians) will be home eating.

Another scenario is the knocks that trailed the statement of the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, who proclaimed that social media needs to be regulated.

According to him, social media has become a societal menace and must be regulated.

“As many people do not understand that once the send button is hit, there is a potential to reach millions of people around the world, which is capable of causing a great danger not just in the society but even unintended consequences to the individuals that are receiving information which may include security of life,” the statement quoted Gbajabiamila as saying.

The implementation of the amended Cybercrime Act 2015 seems to be devoid of what the Counter Subversion bill is pushing with its distinct punishments and punitive clauses.

Speaker Abbass’ defence on the bill

On Wednesday, Abbas, in his defence, said the bill was chiefly sponsored to cater to the critical aspects of national security.

According to him, the Counter Subversion Bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 23, 2024 and not Tuesday.

He said, “The Bill aims to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework by addressing subversive activities carried out by various groups, including associations, organisations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed entities.

“This is in line with similar legislation in countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Turkey, Canada, and Australia.”

The Speaker, also reaffirmed the House of Representatives as the “People’s House,” welcomed robust public engagement and discussions on the contents of the Bill.

He stressed that concerns and suggestions from Nigerians are crucial in shaping the final outcome of the legislation.