The House of Representatives has introduced the Counter Subversion Bill 2024, which seeks to impose severe penalties on people involved in separatist movements or actions that incite conflicts between different groups or sections of the country.
Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the bill is now set for its second reading, where its general principles will be debated. According to the proposed legislation, anyone convicted of such offenses could face up to 25 years in prison, a fine of N10 million, or both, as reported by The Sun.
The bill aims to criminalize subversive activities by a broad range of entities, including associations, Biafra agitation, organizations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed groups,
Prominent figures such as Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and Sunday Igboho, a Yoruba nationalist, are among those who have previously agitated for the creation of separate nations, Biafra and Oduduwa/Yoruba respectively.
Additionally, the bill stipulates penalties for a variety of other offenses. For example, anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge, defacing a place of worship with the intent to incite violence, or undermining the Federal Government could face a fine of N5 million, 10 years in prison, or both.
Other provisions of the bill include fines and prison sentences for setting up illegal roadblocks, performing unauthorized traffic duties, imposing illegal curfews, or organizing unlawful processions. Specifically, such actions could result in a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both.
Moreover, the bill proposes a fine of N4 million or a two-year prison term for anyone convicted of insulting, defaming, embarrassing, or bringing into disrepute the leadership of a community, religion, lawful group, local government, state, or the federal government.
Sections 2, 5, 6, and 10 of the bill further clarify that anyone involved in activities that foster mutual suspicion, mistrust, or intolerance, leading to conflict and violence that threatens Nigeria’s peace and security, will face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison term, or both.
Other offenses outlined in the bill include:
- Forceful takeover of public or private spaces: A fine of N5 million or 10 years in prison.
- Professing loyalty to organizations that disregard Nigeria’s sovereignty: A fine of N3 million or four years in prison.
- Receiving support from foreign entities incompatible with Nigeria’s interests: A fine of N15 million or 20 years in prison.
- Disrupting community harmony and peaceful coexistence: A fine of N3 million, five years in prison, or both.
- Habitual law violation and defiance against authority: A fine of N5 million or seven years in prison.
Additionally, the bill addresses the illegal construction or occupation of public places, with penalties including a fine of N1 million or three years in prison. It also criminalizes the unauthorized possession or use of military, police, or intelligence uniforms and emblems, punishable by a fine of N2 million or two years in prison.
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it is expected to stir significant debate and public scrutiny, especially considering its potential impact on the freedom of expression and the rights of people in Nigeria.
source: The Sun
