Stung by criticisms, Speaker of House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday withdrew the controversial Counter Subversion Bill 2024 termed by Nigerians as “anti-people” akin to a “decree in democratic society.”

An analyst says it is close to the Decree No 4 of 1984 (Protection Against False Accusation) Decree under which the publication of truth in any medium is not a defence as long as anyone feels bad about it.

The Counter Subversion Bill 2024 also imposes 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.

It states: “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 also proposes a 25-year imprisonment or N10 million fine, or both, for any person convicted for making a statement or taking an action that leads to separatist agitation or inter-group or sectional conflict in the country.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by the Speaker Abbas, according to its explanatory memoranda, “seeks to criminalise subversive activities by associations, organisations, militias, cults, bandits and other proscribed groups in Nigeria.”

It was awaiting the second reading during which the general principles will be debated when the Speaker personally withdrew it.

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.”

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

He noted: “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.

A statement by Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives titled ‘Withdrawal of the Counter Subversion and Other Related Bills,’ added: “In response to the voices and concerns of the people, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation.

“This decision follows his extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and a careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.

“Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, a champion of the people’s interests, has always prioritized listening to the citizens and fostering unity. His decision reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the People’s House.

“He acknowledges the significance of the concerns raised and the attention the Bill has garnered, reaffirming that he will never support any action that might disrupt the peace and unity of our nation.

“The public is hereby notified of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and other related ones introduced on July 23, 2024.”

But there are fears that the bill may its head again in another form, citing the was aspects of criminalizing of journalism was inserted in the Cybercrimes Act which is being used by defence and security agencies to target and abduct journalists and other media practitioners over published or intending publications.

For example, politicians from both the executives and legislature are in agreement even though the social media have been a platform where Nigerians express their freedom of speech without hassle as they could barely see many of them, it has also provided avenue to “ridicule or embarrass” public officials and even destabilise the peace of the country.

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 was 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.

In fact, the Counter Subversion bill is further strengthening of the amended Cybercrime Act 2015 by another means through pushing distinct punishments and punitive clauses.