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Abbas Withdraws Bill Prescribing Jail Term For Persons Who Refuse To Sing Anthem

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Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has ordered the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion bill sponsored by him which tends to proscribe harsh punishment for those accused of engaging in activities regarded as subversive.

The bill sought to punish between two and twenty-five years imprisonment or a fine of between N2 million and N15 million both on individuals and organizations or both on those found guilty.

The objective of the bill, a copy of which was sighted by The Nation is to (a) Provide for a legal and institutional framework to detect, prevent, investigate, criminalize, prosecute, and sanction subversive and related activities; and regulate the procedure and determine how the provisions of this Act shall be carried out”.

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The bill was presented to the House and gazetted as House Bill 1652 on the 23rd of July alongside three bills sponsored by the Speaker and listed on the same day.

The others are counter sabotage bill 2024 (HB 1651), counter-insurgency bill 2024 (HB 1653) and Espionage (Prevention and Prohibition) bill 2024 (HB 1654).

After an initial statement explaining that the bill was not targeted at any individual or group, the Speaker issued another statement withdrawing the bill.

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The statement titled: “Withdrawal of the Counter Subversion and Other Related Bills” signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker said he was withdrawing the bill in response to the voices and concerns of the people.”

READ ALSO: National Anthem Recitation: Fresh Protest Looms Over Controversial Bill

The statement said: “This decision follows his extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and a careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.

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“Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, a champion of the people’s interests, has always prioritized listening to the citizens and fostering unity. His decision reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the People’s House.

“He acknowledges the significance of the concerns raised and the attention the Bill has garnered, reaffirming 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”.

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According to the bill which has 24 clauses, any “person who engages in activities that result to mutual suspicion, mistrust, distrust or intolerance which degenerates into conflict and violence that threatens the corporate existence, peace and security of the Federation of Nigeria, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of 10 years or both”.

The bill also states that “A person who engages in illegal road traffic function, illegal roadblock, imposition of illegal curfew, the conduct of illegal procession, checkpoint, and other similar acts, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N2,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of five years or both.

READ ALSO: Controversial Bill: I Choose 20 Years In Prison Than Sing ‘Tinubu’s Anthem’ – Aisha Yesufu

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“From the commencement of this Bill, all voluntary or volunteer services groups that seek to provide services under section 3 of this Bill shall be registered with the appropriate authority before rendering the service.

“A person who forcefully takes over any place of worship, town hall, school, premises, public or private place, arena, or a similar place through duress, undue influence, subterfuge or other similar activities, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of 10 years or both.

“A person who professes loyalty, pledges or agrees to belong to an organisation that disregards the sovereignty of Nigeria, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N3,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of four years or both.

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“A person who makes a statement does something or directs or encourages another person or group to do something that will lead to separatist agitation or intergroup or sectional conflict, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N10,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of 25 years or both”.

It said further that “A person who destroys national symbols; refuses to recite the national anthem and pledge, defaces or abuse a place of worship to cause violence and subvert the Government of Nigeria, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of 10 years or both.

READ ALSO: Catholic Bishops To FG: Save Nigerians From Multi Dimensional Poverty

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“Clause 9 stipulates that (1) A person who interacts, communicates liaises, associates with locally based cult groups, criminal gangs or proscribed organisations, commits an offence; A person who interacts, communicates, liaises, associates with foreign-based criminal gangs or proscribed organisations or countries detrimental to the welfare, security, development and progress of Nigerian, commits an offence; A person who commits an offence under this section is liable on conviction to a fine of N10,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of 15 years or both.”

It states further that “a person who receives financial or political support from a foreign organisation, group or country that is not compatible with the interest, development, security, and progress of Nigeria, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N15,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of 20 years or both”.

“For those receiving foreign aides, it said (1) A foreign-based person, group or organisation that makes statements injurious to the peace and security of Nigeria and relates with or is influenced by a locally based person, group or organisation, commits an offence; (2) A locally based person that fails to refute, condemn, and associate themselves with any statement made by a foreign-based person, group or organisation, commits an offence; (3) A person who commits an offence under this section is liable on conviction to a fine of N5,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of 5 years or both”.

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The bill which has now been withdrawn by the Speaker also provided that “every person, group or organisation that engages in activities that undermines national security, harmonious community interaction, peaceful coexistence and the maintenance of law and order, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N3,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of five years or both.

READ ALSO: Mother Sues Loyola Jesuit College, Education Ministry For Denying Son Admission

“A person, group or organisation that persistently disregards, disobeys, or disrespects constituted authority, rules, regulations, order or contravenes the law willfully, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of 3 years at the first instance and seven years for a subsequent offence or to a fine of N5,000,000 or both.

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“A person who habitually violates the law, refuses or prevents arrest, disrupts legal processes or proceedings, engages in contrary behaviour or persistent and recalcitrant, defiance and rebellion against constituted authority, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of seven years or both.

“A person who establishes, creates, operates or maintains, funds, supports or assists a para-military, guard, brigade, organisation, corps, union, militia, cult or bandit group under whatever name or guise, except established by-laws passed by the National Assembly or State House of Assembly, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N10,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of 15 years or both”.

Clause 16 states that (1) A person group or organisation that engages in aggressive, violent or intimidating conduct that results in the death of a person, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to death.

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(2) A person group or organisation that engages in conduct that results in grievous bodily harm or loss of property, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of seven years or both and to the payment of adequate compensation to the victim of the crime.”

READ ALSO: National Anthem Recitation: Fresh Protest Looms Over Controversial Bill

Furthermore, the bill had planned to ensure that “A person who illegally constructs a structure or takes over a public place, road or fields without permission from the authority in charge of the place, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N1,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of three years or both.

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“A person who castigates, instigates, persuades, denigrates, embarrasses or brings into disrepute the leadership of a community, religion, lawful group, local government, State or Federal Government of Nigeria, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N4,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of two years or both”.

Other acts that the law would have imposed punishment include conduct that displays loyalty, pledges allegiance to another country or denounces his loyalty to Nigeria as well as persons who inspire, instigate, encourage or direct defiance, mentor, fund or abets or conspire with any person group or organisation in opposition or destruction of an existing state institution, structures or values by illegal conduct or violent acts.

Ownership, possession, production, distribution, importation, handling, and uses abs established security, military, police, or intelligence agency uniforms, emblems, or accoutrements, is supposed to attract a fine of N2,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of two years or both on conviction.

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Prosecution of offences provided in the withdrawn Bill was supposed to be as prescribed in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and subject to the powers of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Legal Officers of the Service shall undertake and conduct prosecution of offences under this Bill.

The bill has been attracting comments from Nigerians since its introduction.

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Politics

PDP Unveils 13-member Screening Panel For National Convention

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According to a statement issued on October 25, 2025, by the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) and signed by its Chairman, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who is also the Governor of Adamawa State, the screening exercise will take place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

The committee will be chaired by Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), a former Ondo State governorship candidate and respected legal luminary.

He will be assisted by Hon. Mohammed L.S. Diri (SAN) as Deputy Chairman, while Mr. Asue Ighodalo, Esq., will serve as Secretary. Jacob Otorkpa was named Deputy Secretary.

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READ ALSO:Jonathan’s Ex-aide Dumps PDP For APC

Other members of the committee include: Emmanuel Enoidem (SAN), Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Chief Mrs. Aduke Maina, Iyom Josephine Anenih, Achike Udenwa, Haj. Maryam Inna Ciroma, HM. Felix Hassan Hyat, HM. Zainab Maina, and Chinedu Nwachukwu, who will also serve as Administrative Secretary.

The statement noted that the selection reflected the PDP’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and internal democracy in the build-up to its national convention.

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The NCOC notes and expects that the exemplary conduct and strict adherence to rules and regulations during this very crucial assignment will justify the confidence reposed by the Party in members of the Committee,” the statement read.

READ ALSO:BREAKING: PDP Dismisses Anyanwu’s Forgery Claim, Says He Signed Convention Letters

Fintiri assured party members that the screening process will be conducted with the highest standards of fairness and impartiality, underscoring the PDP’s resolve to strengthen its democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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“This exercise is crucial in ensuring that only credible, competent, and loyal members emerge to steer the affairs of our great party,” Fintiri stated.

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Why I Refused To Endorse El-Rufai As My Successor — Obasanjo

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed how he turned down a suggestion to endorse former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, as his successor.

Speaking on Friday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the second edition of the annual Ajibosin Platform symposium themed “Importance of Leadership in Governance”, Obasanjo disclosed that former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, had recommended El-Rufai for the presidency, but he rejected the idea.

Chidoka, who delivered the keynote address at the event, had earlier narrated how El-Rufai introduced him to Obasanjo at the age of 34, an encounter that led to his appointment as the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

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Addressing the audience, Obasanjo took a playful jab at Chidoka for leaving out the El-Rufai story.

“Let him tell you. He didn’t mention that. He was pushing when I was leaving government that his friend, El-Rufai, should be brought in as my successor,” Obasanjo said.

READ ALSO:Four Miners Feared Dead, Others Trapped As Illegal Mining Site Collapses In Plateau

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Turning to Chidoka, who was seated among the panelists, he asked, “No be so (Is that not true)?” The former minister nodded in agreement.

Obasanjo explained that he dismissed the suggestion because he believed El-Rufai still needed time to grow politically.

“I did not yield to the pressure. Later, he said, ‘I suggested this person, why didn’t you agree?’ I said El-Rufai needs to mature. You remember?

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“When I left government and, many years later, he saw the performances of El-Rufai, he came back to me and said, ‘You’re absolutely correct. El-Rufai needed to mature.’”

The former president, however, commended Chidoka, El-Rufai, and other former aides for their “special attributes,” which he said contributed to the success of his administration.

READ ALSO:Nigeria Not Difficult To Govern If… – Obasanjo

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Speaking further on leadership, Obasanjo emphasised character, exposure, experience, and training as essential qualities of effective governance.

Obasanjo said, “It’s only in politics that I found out there is no training for leadership. Even among armed robbers, I was told there is apprenticeship.

“But it’s only in politics that there is no training in leadership. That’s not good enough.”

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El-Rufai served under Obasanjo’s administration as the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) before becoming the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between 2003 and 2007. When Obasanjo was leaving office in 2007, he instead backed the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as his preferred successor.

In his address, Chidoka blamed Nigeria’s development setbacks on excuses and what he described as the politics of alibi.

READ ALSO:Provide Evidence Of My Third Term Ambition’, Obasanjo Challenges Nigerians

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“Leadership finds its true measure not in speeches or charisma but in the systems it leaves behind.

“Moral conviction must translate into the everyday machinery of governance—rules, routines, and institutions that make competence predictable and corruption difficult.

“Nigeria’s problem has never been a shortage of ideas; it is the absence of systems strong enough to outlive their authors,” he said.

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He urged leaders to prioritise accountability and measurable results.

“We must therefore make leadership accountable not to rhetoric but to results: measure by building national dashboards and accountability systems that track every promise, every budget, every outcome. Monitor by strengthening the institutions that evaluate government performance and expose complacency,” he said.

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FULL LIST: Borno Tops In Voter Online Pre-registrations

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Borno State has recorded the highest number of voter online pre-registrations nationwide as of Week Nine, according to newly released data from the Independent National Electoral Commission on Tuesday.

Out of a total of 8,003,196 Nigerians who completed the pre-registration process, Borno accounted for 826,130 entries, the highest figure recorded across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Osun State follows with 646,580 pre-registrations, while Lagos is next with 604,819. Kebbi registered 581,135, slightly ahead of Kaduna, which recorded 510,490. Ogun is close behind with 510,062, and Kano comes next with 421,941. Kogi also posted high numbers, registering 361,233, while Zamfara and Yobe followed with 304,065 and 292,714, respectively.

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Jigawa added 284,384 pre-registrations, with the FCT recording 228,264. Oyo followed closely with 224,713. Katsina registered 205,933, while Sokoto and Nasarawa posted 209,392 and 183,519, respectively.

READ ALSO:Tinubu Nominates New Minister

Bauchi recorded 181,671, ahead of Delta, which registered 160,188. Kwara contributed 142,084, followed by Cross River with 119,773 and Ekiti with 114,244.

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Imo State recorded 109,245 pre-registrations, with Niger adding 107,153 and Gombe logging 103,150. Plateau followed with 93,963, while Rivers and Adamawa registered 82,840 and 80,556, respectively. Taraba posted 65,684, Akwa Ibom 60,638, Benue 53,747, and Bayelsa 52,957.

At the lower end of the table, Enugu registered 25,541 voters, followed by Ondo with 17,618, Ebonyi with 13,979, Edo with 11,570, and Abia with 11,221, the lowest figure in the country.

Also, INEC announced that a total of 1,710,450 voters have completed their CVR nationwide as of week eight, combining both online pre-registration (956,566) and physical registration (753,884).

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READ ALSO:Acting INEC Chair Outlines Preparations or Anambra Poll

In accordance with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022, INEC confirmed that registration activities in Anambra State remain suspended until after the governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.

Until recently, states in the South-West, particularly Osun, Lagos, and Ogun, had consistently led the CVR process since the exercise commenced on August 18, 2025.

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However, recent data indicated an uptick in participation from northern states, especially Borno and Kebbi, amid renewed mobilisation campaigns.

It was reported that community-based organisations, religious leaders, and local officials in several northern states intensified sensitisation efforts to boost awareness and encourage eligible residents to register.

 

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