Politics

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

Published

2 years ago

August 14, 2024

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”.

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.

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.”

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.

“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”.

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.

“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.

“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.

“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”.

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.

“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.

“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.

(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.”

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.

“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.

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.

Politics

2027: NDC Unveils Electoral Committee Members For Primaries

Published

6 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has released list of Electoral Committee Members to Conduct primary election.

The exercise is for State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship and Presidential Primaries across all States in Nigeria and the FCT.

This was contained in a statement posted on its verified X handle on Thursday.

The party had provided updates concerning its upcoming Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship, and State Assembly primaries.

According to the party’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas,
and Barr. Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, National Secretary, the primaries are confirmed to take place across the nation on May 29, 2026, adhering to the previously established timetable of May 28 and 29.

Politics

APC: Fubara Has Been Treated Badly, It’s Dangerous For Tinubu – Otubanjo

Published

6 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The director of research at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Femi Otubanjo, has said the treatment of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in the just concluded All Progressives Congress’, APC, primary poses political danger to President Bola Tinubu.

Otubanjo stated this on Thursday while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he also criticised the role being played by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the political affairs of Rivers State and the All Progressives Congress.

According to him, the handling of Fubara’s political crisis remains one of the most surprising developments in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Otubanjo further argued that Wike, who is not a member of the APC, appears to be dictating political activities within the ruling party in Rivers State.The research director warned that the current political arrangement in Rivers State could negatively affect Tinubu politically, insisting that Wike was pursuing his personal agenda rather than that of the president.

He said: “The treatment of Fubara must be one of the American wonders of Nigerian politics. Fubara has been badly treated. We have a situation in which Nyesom Wike who is not even in the APC is taking the primary decision in the APC. I hope the tactical team of President Bola Tinubu is not sleeping.

“The reality is that what they have done is very dangerous for Tinubu. What has emerged in Rivers today is that Wike is pursuing his own agenda, not Tinubu’s agenda inspite of PBAT and all of that combination.”

“If Wike really wants to pursue Tinubu’s agenda, he must retain Fubara.”

Politics

In Defence Of Khalifa Jarrett Tenebe: The Generational Shift Reshaping Edo Politics

Published

1 day ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

By DAN Osa-Ogbegie

For decades, Edo politics remained trapped within a narrow and predictable cycle of political recycling. The same ageing actors moved endlessly from one office to another, from one administration to the next, and from one political alignment to another, as though leadership in Edo State had become the exclusive inheritance of a permanent political aristocracy.

Meanwhile, thousands of intelligent, energetic, and capable young Edo people watched helplessly from the margins while opportunities for leadership, governance, party administration, and public service remained tightly controlled by individuals whose political relevance dated back several decades.

That unhealthy political culture is now gradually changing.

Today, one of the most important political transformations taking place within the All Progressives Congress in Edo State is the deliberate transition from recycled political gerontocracy to a younger generation of political actors. That transition is unfolding under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State and Leader of the APC in Edo State, together with the State Chairman of the party, Khalifa Jarrett Tenebe.

Predictably, such a shift has unsettled entrenched interests.

Those who became accustomed to monopolising political relevance naturally feel threatened by the emergence of a younger generation that is increasingly assertive, visible, influential, and institutionally empowered. Yet, history teaches a simple lesson: no political structure survives indefinitely without renewal.

No serious political party can continue recycling the same exhausted political machinery forever while expecting innovation, grassroots energy, modern governance ideas, and long-term political sustainability.

That reality appears to be clearly understood by Governor Monday Okpebholo and Khalifa Jarrett Tenebe.

Much of the criticism unfairly directed at Khalifa Jarrett Tenebe in recent times stems from the fact that he has become one of the visible faces of this generational transition within Edo APC. Beneath the noise, propaganda, and political bitterness lies an undeniable truth: the party is consciously opening spaces for younger people in ways not seen for many years.

From the youthful Deputy Chairman of APC in Edo State, Sylvester Aigboboh, to several younger commissioners, Special Advisers, members of the State Executive Council, board chairmen, local government administrators, and strategic appointees across government, the evidence of deliberate political renewal is becoming increasingly impossible to ignore.

In Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Hon. Austin Imafidon has emerged as one of the young faces of focused governance and grassroots administration. Beyond politics, he has already established himself successfully in business, bringing into governance the mindset of productivity, enterprise, and modern administrative engagement.

In Etsako, Hon. Sunny Ekpeson has continued to attract national attention as the youngest ALGON Chairman in Nigeria, representing a clear departure from the era where local government leadership was treated as the permanent preserve of ageing political operators disconnected from younger demographics.

In Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Hon. Eric Osawaru represents another example of the younger political generation now entrusted with leadership responsibilities, while in Oredo Local Government Area, Engr. Gabriel Iduseri equally reflects the growing confidence being reposed in younger administrators within the APC structure.

In Owan, Hon. Aitalegbe Ernest, popularly known as “China Boy,” has also emerged as one of the prominent young political figures gaining traction as the incoming Chairman of the local government, further reinforcing the expanding generational transition currently taking shape across Edo State.

The same pattern is visible across government institutions and strategic agencies.

Pastor Stanley Dave Ighodaro, a successful entrepreneur with thriving business interests in Europe, now heads the Edo State Parks and Gardens Agency. His emergence reflects an increasingly important shift towards bringing professionally exposed and globally minded younger individuals into governance and public administration.

Similarly, Kassim Otono, who serves as Special Adviser on Oil and Gas to the Executive Governor of Edo State, represents another example of younger technocratic involvement within the present administration. His inclusion within such a strategic sector underscores the growing confidence being placed in younger professionals and politically aware technocrats within government.

This is how enduring institutions are built.

A political party that refuses to regenerate itself eventually becomes intellectually stagnant, structurally weak, and electorally disconnected from evolving social realities.

Governor Monday Okpebholo deserves commendation for recognising that governance in a rapidly changing society cannot remain permanently tied to political methods and leadership assumptions developed several decades ago. Contemporary governance demands adaptability, technological awareness, stronger grassroots engagement, administrative energy, and a deeper connection with younger populations.

Khalifa Jarrett Tenebe equally deserves credit for helping stabilise the party while managing this difficult but necessary transition process. Generational shifts are never easy within political systems historically dominated by established interests. Resistance is inevitable. Political resentment is expected. Internal anxieties naturally emerge whenever old monopolies begin to weaken.

Leadership, however, requires courage.

The recently concluded primaries further revealed this evolving direction within the APC. The emergence of candidates such as Rt. Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, Osazee Igbinovia, Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, Omosede Igbinedion, Sir Lucky Eseigbe, and Odianosen Okojie reflects a growing political philosophy that increasingly values capacity, grassroots relevance, contemporary appeal, and generational continuity.

Equally symbolic is the emergence of several young Acting Local Government Council Chairmen who are now candidates of the party in the forthcoming local government elections. That development sends a powerful message across Edo State that political participation is gradually becoming more accessible to younger people with competence, commitment, and organisational value.

For too long, many young people in Edo politics were reduced to political spectators, social media defenders, praise singers, or election-day foot soldiers while actual power remained tightly guarded elsewhere. Such a model was never sustainable.

A society that continuously sidelines its younger generation ultimately weakens its own political future.

The ongoing transition within Edo APC does not amount to hostility towards elders or experienced political actors. Experience remains valuable. Elder statesmen still possess institutional memory and political wisdom that younger actors can benefit from immensely. Mentorship, however, must never become political suffocation. Guidance must never evolve into permanent political domination.

Every generation deserves the opportunity to participate meaningfully in shaping the future it will eventually inherit.

That is precisely why the current direction of the APC leadership in Edo State deserves objective acknowledgement rather than emotional hostility.

Many of those attacking Khalifa Jarrett Tenebe today are not truly angry about party administration. Their deeper discomfort arises from the reality that political influence is gradually shifting away from old centres of control towards a newer generation of actors who may no longer depend entirely on traditional political gatekeepers for relevance or survival.

Societies evolve.

Political cultures evolve.

Leadership itself evolves.

No generation owns political power forever.

Ultimately, the future of Edo State cannot be built exclusively around recycled political veterans whose greatest political moments belong largely to the past. A forward-looking society must continuously create room for younger leadership, newer ideas, fresh administrative energy, and modern political thinking.

That future is already unfolding within the APC in Edo State.

History may eventually remember Khalifa Jarrett Tenebe and Governor Monday Okpebholo as central figures in the difficult but necessary political transition that began moving Edo away from recycled political dominance towards a broader and younger leadership culture capable of preparing the state for a different era.

Daniel Aroren Noah Osa-Ogbegie is a Benin based legal practitioner and public intellectual from Uhunmwode Local Government Area.