Fresh Protest Looms Over Controversial National Anthem Recitation Bill

A rights advocating organization, The Take It Back Movement, has announced its intention to initiate a new nationwide protest in response to the recently proposed legislation concerning the national anthem.

The Eaglesforesight reports that this threat comes days following the conclusion of the #EndBadGovernance protests organized by the same group.

It is worth noting that the House of Representatives is currently considering a bill that would impose penalties on Nigerians who fail to recite the national anthem.

Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the proposed legislation seeks to enforce a fine of ₦5 million or a prison sentence of up to 10 years, or both, for individuals who damage national symbols or refuse to recite the national anthem and pledge.

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Reacting in a statement released on Wednesday, the Take It Back Movement expressed strong opposition to the bill, asserting that it poses a threat to the fundamental rights of citizens.

The statement, authored by the organization’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, emphasized that the “bill should be rejected and not enacted into law; instead, the government should focus on addressing the root causes of conflict and division within the nation.”

The organization has warned of a nationwide demonstration should the bill be enacted, despite widespread public discontent.

The statement added: “As a pro-people’s movement dedicated to justice and progress, we have observed significant public backlash against the bill, as citizens express their discontent.

“We perceive this legislation as an effort to stifle the rights of Nigerians, and we proudly stand with the people in raising our voices to condemn this unfair proposal.

“In solidarity with the people of Nigeria, we unequivocally denounce this proposed repressive legislation and vow to protect the constitutional rights of Nigerians.

“We will stop at nothing to protect whatever is left of our democratic rights as Nigerians, including mobilizing Nigerians to the streets if this draconian bill is not withdrawn immediately”.