National Outrage Over Bill To Punish Nigerians Who Snub National Anthem

A national outrage has been sparked on social media following a recent proposal by the House of Representatives to introduce a Counter Subversion Bill 2024, which aims to impose stringent penalties on Nigerians who fail to recite the national anthem.

According to the proposed legislation, anyone found guilty of refusing to recite the national anthem shall be fined N5 million, face a 10-year prison sentence, or both.

The bill, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is set for its second reading, where its general principles will be debated.

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 recent proposal has since stirred a storm from Nigerians on social media.

While some netizens see the initiative as a misplaced priority, others are of the opinion that one’s national anthem need not be forced but elicited from a heart of love and patriotism for one’s nation.

See some reactions gathered by GWG.ng from netizens on X:

Social media influencer, Daniel Regha clapped, “In regards to this news, let me categorically state that this is a misplaced priority.”

७०% Omo lya Teacher reacted, “The House of Representatives should seek a 10-year prison sentence with hard labor and a N5 million fine for Nigerians who lied under oath, embezzled public funds, or forged certificates to attain public office, not Nigerians who refused to recite the national anthem.”

@mazi_ikanako said, “Mad men in power… Where in a sane country do they force citizens to recite national anthem? All their policies are tailored at frustrating and provoking the ordinary man.”

 @drkenon2 reacted, “Group of dictators. It shall not be well with the enemies of Nigeria.”

Daily Justice said, “Arise Oh Justice against these enemies of the people.. Prison awaits them 1st..

They shall drown in their plan & be imprisoned for hailing a colonial contraption…May God Not save the contraption…”

@UcheOkoro_ reacted, “Let’s be clear, patriotism cannot be mandated. True love for one’s country comes from genuine belief and emotional connection, not from coercion. 

“Forcing citizens to recite an anthem under threat of imprisonment is not patriotism, it’s tyranny dressed in the guise of nationalism. The House of Reps should focus on fostering a sense of belonging through unity and understanding, not through fear and intimidation.

@flourish007 reacted, “We need to make this group of Clueless politicians redundant.”

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