National Anthem recitation: Fresh protest looms over controversial bill

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The rights advocacy group Take It Back Movement, which organised the just ended EndBadGovernance demonstrations, has threatened to hold another statewide protest in opposition to the contentious national anthem measure.

According to ZINGTIE, a plan to punish Nigerians for refusing to sing the national anthem is presently being discussed on the House of Representatives floor.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas is the proponent of a law that would penalise anyone who destroys national symbols or declines to recite the national song and vow with a fine of N5 million, ten years in prison, or both.

In response, the Take It Back Movement sharply denounced the measure in a statement on Wednesday, claiming that it jeopardises Nigerians’ fundamental rights.

According to the statement, which was signed by the group’s national coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, the government should focus its efforts on addressing the root causes of the discord and strife in our nation rather than discarding and passing the bill into law.

In spite of the public outcry, they warned a nationwide protest if the bill is signed into law.

Part of the statement reads, “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left of our democratic rights as Nigerians, including mobilizing Nigerians to the streets if this draconian bill is not withdrawn immediately”.

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