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National Anthem abuse, others: Speaker Abbas withdraws controversial bill (Updated)

Published

2 years ago

August 14, 2024

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen

National Anthem abuse, others: Speaker Abbas withdraws controversial bill (Updated)

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has faced a lot of bashing from members of the public on social media over a bill seeking at least 10-year jail term for those who fail to sing or deride the new National Anthem.

Following the scathing criticism, the Speaker has ordered the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill sponsored by him.

Failure to sing the new anthem or mutilating/denigrating any of the national symbols is considered a subversive action and this gets harsh punitive measures with a long imprisonment.

Engaging or sending materials that can lead to regional separation or protest attracts 25 years imprisonment or a fine upto N15m or both for individuals and organizations found guilty.

The bill was presented to the House and gazetted as House Bill 1652 on July 23 alongside three bills sponsored by the Speaker and listed on the same day.

The others are counter sabotage bill 2024 (HB 1651), counter-insurgency bill 2024 (HB 1653) and Espionage (Prevention and Prohibition) bill 2024 (HB 1654).

After an initial statement explaining that the bill was not targeted at any individual or group, the Speaker issued another statement withdrawing the bill.

The statement titled: “Withdrawal of the Counter Subversion and Other Related Bills” signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker said he was withdrawing the bill in response to the voices and concerns of the people.

The statement said, “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.

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

According to the bill which has 24 clauses, any “person who engages in activities that result to mutual suspicion, mistrust, distrust or intolerance which degenerates into conflict and violence that threatens the corporate existence, peace and security of the Federation of Nigeria, 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”.

The bill also states, “A person who engages in illegal road traffic function, illegal roadblock, imposition of illegal curfew, the conduct of illegal procession, checkpoint, and other similar acts, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N2,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of five years or both.

“From the commencement of this bill, all voluntary or volunteer services groups that seek to provide services under section 3 of this bill shall be registered with the appropriate authority before rendering the service.

“A 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 N5,000,000 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 N3,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of four years or both.

“A person who makes a statement does something or directs or encourages another person or group to do something that will lead to separatist agitation or intergroup or sectional conflict, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N10,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of 25 years or both.”

It said further, “A person who destroys national symbols; refuses to recite the national anthem and pledge, defaces or abuse a place of worship to cause violence and subvert the Government of Nigeria, 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.”

Clause 9 stipulates that (1) A person who interacts, communicates liaises, associates with locally based cult groups, criminal gangs or proscribed organisations, commits an offence.

A person group or organisation that engages in aggressive, violent or intimidating conduct that results in the death of a person, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to death.

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Furthermore, the bill had planned to ensure 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.

“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”.

Other acts that the law would have imposed punishment include conduct that displays loyalty, pledges allegiance to another country or denounces his loyalty to Nigeria as well as persons who inspire, instigate, encourage or direct defiance, mentor, fund or abet or conspire with any person group or organisation in opposition or destruction of an existing state institution, structures or values by illegal conduct or violent acts.

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Yemi Osinbajo Appointed Senior Strategic Adviser to Africa CDC

Published

2 days ago

April 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Nigerian Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo

Yemi Osinbajo Appointed Senior Strategic Adviser to Africa CDC

Former Nigerian Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has been appointed as Senior Strategic Adviser to the Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), as the agency pushes forward the continent’s Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) agenda.

The appointment, announced on Monday, comes at a critical time as Africa CDC seeks to enhance health systems, boost domestic financing, expand local production of medical supplies, and strengthen Africa’s influence in global health governance. In this role, Osinbajo will provide strategic guidance on pandemic preparedness, sustainable healthcare financing, policy direction, and continental collaboration.

Director-General Jean Kaseya praised Osinbajo’s wealth of experience, highlighting his expertise at the intersection of governance, finance, law, and diplomacy. “At a time when Africa must act with greater authority on the future of health, his leadership will be invaluable,” Kaseya said. He added that Osinbajo’s appointment reflects Africa CDC’s commitment to mobilising top African leadership in service of the continent’s health security and development.

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Osinbajo served as Nigeria’s Vice-President from 2015 to 2023, during which he chaired the Economic Sustainability Committee, contributed to reforms enhancing the ease of doing business, and played a key role in implementing Nigeria’s social investment programmes. Earlier, he was Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State from 1999 to 2007. His legal and governance background positions him to offer critical insights on health policy, regulatory frameworks, and strategic partnerships.

The AHSS agenda, which Osinbajo will help drive, seeks to strengthen Africa’s self-reliance in health, improve disease surveillance, and foster regional collaboration to respond more effectively to pandemics and other public health emergencies. Experts say his advisory role will be crucial in promoting local production of vaccines and medical equipment, ensuring Africa can meet its own health needs while influencing global health decisions.

Africa CDC, operating under the African Union, aims to support member states in building resilient health systems capable of confronting future outbreaks and public health crises. Osinbajo’s appointment is expected to further amplify Africa’s voice in global health while ensuring sustainable health development across the continent.

Yemi Osinbajo Appointed Senior Strategic Adviser to Africa CDC

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Iran Lists Tough Conditions for Peace Talks with US

Published

3 days ago

April 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Iran Lists Tough Conditions for Peace Talks with US

By Agency Report

Iran has outlined a set of strict preconditions for engaging in negotiations with the United States aimed at achieving a lasting peace, signalling a hardening of its stance amid ongoing hostilities in the Middle East.

According to a senior Iranian official who spoke to Reuters, Tehran is insisting on an immediate halt to U.S. military strikes, alongside firm guarantees that such attacks will not be repeated, as a prerequisite for any talks.

The official also disclosed that Iran is demanding compensation for damages suffered during the conflict, underscoring the country’s position that any future negotiations must address the consequences of the ongoing war.

In a further indication of its firm posture, Iran has rejected proposals for a temporary ceasefire, maintaining that only a comprehensive and permanent peace agreement would be acceptable.

Tehran is also pushing for new arrangements regarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, including the right to impose transit fees on vessels passing through the vital global oil shipping route. The proposed fees, according to the official, would vary depending on the type of vessel, its cargo, and prevailing conditions.

The development comes amid intensified diplomatic efforts led by regional mediators, including Pakistan, to broker a ceasefire between the two sides. A U.S.-backed proposal for a 45-day truce has reportedly been put forward as a stepping stone toward broader negotiations, though Tehran has dismissed the idea as insufficient.

Tensions between the two countries remain high, with both sides holding firm to their positions. Analysts say Iran’s demands reflect a broader strategy to secure long-term guarantees and reshape the terms of engagement in the region, rather than accept short-term de-escalation measures.

With neither side showing signs of compromise, prospects for immediate negotiations appear uncertain, raising concerns about further escalation and its implications for global security and energy markets.

Iran Lists Tough Conditions for Peace Talks with US

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Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector

Published

4 days ago

April 6, 2026

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping ₦3.3 trillion power sector bailout aimed at clearing long-standing debts and stabilising Nigeria’s struggling electricity industry.

The intervention, implemented under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme, is designed to resolve liabilities accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025, following a comprehensive verification process.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed that the ₦3.3 trillion electricity debt settlement represents a full and final agreement to restore financial stability across the sector. He explained that the debts, largely driven by unpaid invoices, tariff shortfalls, and subsidy obligations, had significantly weakened liquidity in the power value chain.

Implementation of the power sector debt repayment plan has already commenced, with 15 generation companies signing settlement agreements worth about ₦2.3 trillion. The Federal Government has raised ₦501 billion so far to fund the initiative, out of which ₦223 billion has already been disbursed, while additional payments are ongoing.

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The Nigeria electricity sector bailout is expected to inject much-needed cash into the industry, ensuring that gas suppliers receive payments, power plants can sustain operations, and electricity generation becomes more stable. With improved liquidity, officials say the country could begin to see gradual improvements in power supply, reduced grid disruptions, and better service delivery.

Special Adviser on Energy to the President, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, said the programme is not just about clearing debts but rebuilding trust across the industry. She noted that restoring confidence is critical to attracting investment, maintaining consistent gas supply, and ensuring that power plants operate efficiently.

She further explained that the initiative forms part of broader power sector reforms in Nigeria, including nationwide metering improvements and the introduction of service-based tariffs that align electricity costs with the quality of supply. According to her, the government is also prioritising electricity supply to businesses, industries, and small enterprises, recognising that reliable power is essential for job creation and economic growth.

The Tinubu administration believes the electricity sector stabilisation plan will reduce reliance on generators, lower the cost of doing business, and improve productivity across key sectors of the economy. Analysts say resolving the sector’s liquidity crisis could unlock new investments and strengthen Nigeria’s overall economic performance.

President Tinubu also commended stakeholders for their cooperation in addressing long-standing challenges in the industry and confirmed that the next phase of the reform programme, Series II, will commence within the current quarter. The phase is expected to deepen structural reforms and ensure long-term sustainability of the electricity market.