Speaker Tajudeen Abass of the House of Representatives has withdrawn the Counter Subversion Bill 2024 intended to slap stiffer sanctions on Nigerians who refuse to sing the national anthem and recite the pledge, according to his media aide, Musa Krishi.

Mr Abass on July 23 introduced the bill that would have had Nigerians receive a 10-year sentence or pay a N5 million fine for not singing the anthem, defacing national symbols and insulting high-profile individuals.

The Bill sparked a frenzy on social media where citizens lampooned the chief legislator for focusing on non-priority issues at a time when the nation was facing cost-of-living and insecurity crises.

Mr Abass, on Wednesday succumbed to mounting pressure to withdraw the bill, as communicated by his aide, Mr Krishi, who said the decision was taken after “careful consideration.”

“In response to the voices and concerns of the people, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has decided to withdraw the Counter Subversion Bill and other related draft legislation,” his aide said in a statement on Wednesday.

“This decision follows his extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and a careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances,” Mr Krishi added.

Mr Abass, according to the statement, acknowledged the reactions that the bill generated and asserted that he will “never support any action that might disrupt the peace and unity of our nation.”

“The public is hereby notified of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and other related ones introduced on July 23, 2024,” the statement stressed.