Breaking: House of Reps seeks 10 Year prison sentence; N5million fine for Nigerians who refuse to recite national anthem

House of Reps Proposes 10-Year Prison Sentence, N5 Million Fine for Refusal to Recite the new National Anthem.

 

Abuja, Nigeria – In a move that has sparked significant debate, the House of Representatives is considering a bill that proposes stringent penalties for Nigerians who refuse to recite the national anthem. The proposed legislation, which is currently set for its second reading, includes a fine of N5 million and a 10-year prison sentence for those found guilty of this offense.

 

Ejes Gist News reports that the bill, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is seen as part of a broader effort to reinforce national unity and respect for national symbols.

 

According to the provisions of the proposed law, the penalties are not limited to the refusal to recite the national anthem. They also extend to acts such as destroying national symbols or defacing places of worship with the intent to incite violence.

 

“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 proposed legislation states.

 

This proposal has already begun to draw reactions from various quarters, with some praising the move as a necessary step towards instilling patriotism, while others view it as an infringement on individual rights. The second reading will provide a platform for the general principles of the bill to be debated, potentially setting the stage for a nationwide discussion on the balance between national unity and personal freedoms.

Dictatorship Looms as Bill to Jail Protesters, Separatists, Those Who Insult Political Leaders or Religion Heads Passes First Reading

 

Ejes Gist News understands that, as the bill moves forward in the legislative process, it is expected to continue to generate significant public interest and discussion, with its potential implications for citizens’ rights and the enforcement of national loyalty coming under scrutiny.

 

 

Reacting to the news “House of Reps Proposes 10-Year Prison Sentence, N5 Million Fine for Refusal to Recite National Anthem,” Rev Fr. Cyriacus Kamai wrote: “This is what will lead to another protest… na person wey chop go sing.”

Omo Kogi (Yagba) commented: “Now it’s dictatorship… What about jail terms for politicians stealing from public funds?”

QBET said: “This is a welcome development. At least we will hope more Nigerians will get angry and actually give these people war. That is the language they seem to understand, so let them pass the bill.”

Obotex stated: “This is a ridiculous waste of legislative time and resources! There are more pressing issues affecting Nigerians, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Let’s focus on making the country better, not dictating what people should say!”

 

Arewaworld added: “And if you didn’t go to school? And can’t speak English? 😆😆😆 I think the bill is a distraction. People you sent to represent you are planning to imprison you, keep collecting money for your votes.”