The House of Representatives has addressed recent confusion surrounding the Counter Subversion Bill, which was sponsored by Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.
The clarification comes in response to misunderstandings and media reports about the bill.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Krishi, on Wednesday released a statement saying, “The attention of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., has been drawn to reports in sections of the media about the Counter Subversion Bill, which he sponsored.”
Krishi continued, “The Speaker appreciates the interest Nigerians have shown in the Bill, which is related to our national security. However, it has become necessary to make the following clarifications, considering the tilted reports and misconceptions about the Bill.”
The Counter Subversion Bill, introduced on July 23, 2024, is still at the introductory stage. According to Krishi, “The Bill falls within the realm of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework and seeks to address subversive activities by associations, organisations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed groups in Nigeria.”
Krishi also noted that similar laws exist in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Turkey, Canada, and Australia.
The Speaker, through Krishi, reassured Nigerians that the bill will undergo thorough legislative processes. “By Parliamentary processes and procedures, the Bill would have to be listed for Second Reading, where Members will scrutinize its merits and demerits during debate. At this stage, Members can decide to ‘kill’ or allow the Bill to pass.”
“If the Bill passes Second Reading, it will be referred to the relevant Committee of the House for further action. The Committee will invite the public and relevant stakeholders to a public hearing,” Krishi explained.
Krishi also emphasized that the bill will not target any specific group or section of Nigeria. “The Speaker assures Nigerians that the Bill is all-encompassing as it relates to Nigeria’s national security.”
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen promised that all legislative processes will be followed and that Nigerians will have opportunities to provide their input on the Bill. The Bill must pass through further readings and committee reviews before being sent to the Senate and potentially to the President for final approval.
