A fresh wave of protests is looming over a contentious bill that seeks to fine citizens N5 million or sentence them to 10 years in prison for refusing to recite the national anthem. The bill, currently before the House of Representatives, has sparked widespread reactions among Nigerians who see it as an attempt to stifle their rights.
The Take It Back Movement, a rights advocacy organization, has threatened to lead a nationwide demonstration if the bill is passed into law. The organization has described the bill as “draconian” and “repressive” and has vowed to protect the constitutional rights of Nigerians.
In a statement signed by National Coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu, the organization condemned the proposed legislation, saying it perceives the bill as an effort to stifle the rights of Nigerians. The statement read, in part, “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left of our democratic rights as Nigerians, including mobilizing Nigerians to the streets if this draconian bill is not withdrawn immediately.”
The bill proposes a fine of N5 million or 10 years imprisonment, or both, for anyone who refuses to recite the national anthem or pledge, or destroys national symbols. The organization’s stance has been backed by significant public backlash against the bill, with citizens expressing their discontent.
