The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas on Wednesday withdrew the controversial subversion bill and other related draft legislation.
This came on the heels of public outcry on the proposed bill which seeks to “criminalise subversive activities by associations, organisations, militias, cults, bandits and other proscribed groups in Nigeria.”
Abbas announced the withdrawal of the bill on Wednesday in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Musa Krishi.
According to the statement, the Speaker’s “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.
For creation and funding of illegal group, Clause 16 provides that: “(1) A person group or organisation that engages in aggressive, violent or intimidating conduct that results to the death of a person, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to death.
(2) A person group or organisation that engages in conducts that results to grievous bodily harm or loss of property, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of seven years or both and to the payment of adequate compensation to the victim of the crime.”
For causing death by aggressive, violent or intimidating conduct, Clause 17 provides that: “A person who illegally constructs a structure or takes over a public place, road or fields without permission from the authority in charge of the place, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N1,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of three years or both.”
For any illegal construction in public place, Clause 18 States that: “A person who castigates, instigates, persuades, denigrates, embarrasses or brings into disrepute the leadership of a community, religion, lawful group, local government, State or Federal Government of Nigeria, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N4,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of two years or both.”
For denigration of a persons in authority, Clause 19 provides that: “(1) A person who engages in conduct that display loyalty, pledges allegiance to another country or denounces his loyalty to Nigeria, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to the penalty provided in subsection (2).
(2) A person who inspires, instigates, encourages or directs defiance, mentors, funds or abets or conspires with any person group or organisation in opposition or destruction of existing state institution, structures or values by illegal conduct or violent acts, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of 10 years or both.”
For pledging of allegiance to a foreign country, Clause 20 provides that: “A person who owns, possesses, produces, distributes, imports, handles, uses established security, military, police or intelligence agency uniforms, emblems or accoutrements, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N2,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of two years or both.”
For prohibition of production and sale military or police uniforms, Clause 21 provides that: “The procedure for prosecution of offences provided in this Bill shall be as prescribed in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.”
On the prosecution of offences, Clause 22 provides that: “Subject to the powers of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Legal Officers of the Service shall undertake and conduct prosecution of offences under this Bill.”
Clause 23 also provides that: “The Federal High Court shall have jurisdiction to try offences under this bill.”
