The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., has explained that he decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation in “response to the voices and concerns of the people.”
He said the decision follows his “extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and a careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.”
A statement by Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, noted that Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, a champion of the people’s interests, has always prioritized listening to the citizens and fostering unity.
It further said the withdrawal decision reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the People’s House.
He acknowledged the significance of the concerns raised and the attention the Bill has garnered, reaffirming that he would never support any action that might disrupt the peace and unity of the nation.
He notified the public of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and other related which was introduced on July 23, 2024.
The Speaker appreciated the interest Nigerians had so far shown on the Bill, which pertains to the national security.
Prior to the withdrawal, the Speaker had clarified that the Bill falls within the realm of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework, and it seeks to address subversive activities by associations, organisations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed groups in Nigeria.
He said similar legislation obtains in other climes with varied appellations. Such countries include the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Turkey, Canada, Australia, among others.
Going by Parliamentary processes and procedures, the Bill would have been listed for Second Reading, where Members will thoroughly scrutinize its merits and demerits during debate.
He said, “At this stage, Members can decide to ‘kill’ or allow the Bill to pass. But if it scales Second Reading, it would be referred to the relevant Committee of the House for further legislative action.
“The Committee must as a matter of responsibility invite the Nigerian public, particularly relevant stakeholders, to a public hearing on the Bill. It is expected that citizens would bear their minds either physically or via memoranda on the Bill. Their inputs would form the basis for the Committee’s report, to be laid on the floor of the House.
“After the consideration of the report, the Bill will be passed for the Third Reading and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence. If the Senate deems it fit and concurs with the Bill, a clean copy would be transmitted to the President for assent. Mr. President reserves the right to withhold assent to the Bill.”
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