The Nigerian House of Representatives has introduced the Counter Subversion Bill 2024, which aims to impose stringent penalties on individuals involved in separatist agitations or actions that incite inter-group or sectional conflicts.
According to the proposed legislation, anyone convicted of such offences could face a prison sentence of up to 25 years, a fine of N10 million, or both, The Sun reports. The bill’s explanatory memoranda state that the legislation seeks to criminalise subversive activities by a wide range of groups, including associations, organisations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed entities.
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Sunday Igboho have agitated for the separate nations of Biafra and Oduduwa/Yoruba respectively. 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 destr%ying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge, defacing a place of worship with intent to incite vi3lence, or undermining the Federal Government shall face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
Meanwhile, it states that anyone who sets up an illegal roadblock, performs unauthorised traffic duties, imposes an illegal curfew, or organises an unlawful procession will be subject to a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both upon conviction. However, the Bill imposes a fine of N4 million or a two-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of insulting, defaming, embarrassing, or bringing into disrepute the leadership of a community, religion, lawful group, local government, state, or federal government.
