The Take It Back Movement has criticised the Counter Subversion Bill by the House of Representatives which Proposes a N5 fine, 10-year jail term or both for individuals found guilty of failing to recite the national anthem.
The group said it is ready to take to the streets once again if the bill is passed into law as it violates the fundamental rights of Nigerians.
In a statement on Tuesday, the National Cordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the bill contradicts the freedom of speech given to every citizens and demands that the bill be taken down.
Juwon urged the lawmakers to focus their attention on the issues facing the citizens like hunger and poverty, threatening to embark on a protest if the bill is allowed.
The statement reads in part, “This bill threatens the fundamental rights of Nigerians, and it’s seeking to impose excessive penalties on citizens for refusing to recite the national anthem, and also criminalizing civil actions deemed subversive to the government.
“This proposed legislation contradicts the core principles of freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the freedom of demonstration, that underpin any democratic society.
“Hence, we demand that this bill should be discarded and not be passed into law, rather the government should redirect their efforts toward tackling the underlying factors that contribute to discord and strife within our country.
“We further charge the House of Representatives to prioritize critical concerns such as widespread hunger, rampant mismanagement, and pervasive poverty, which have severely impacted the people of Nigeria.
“As a pro-people’s movement dedicated to justice and progress, we have observed significant public backlash against the bill, as citizens express their discontent. We perceive this legislation as an effort to stifle the rights of Nigerians, and we proudly stand with the people in raising our voices to condemn this unfair proposal.
“In solidarity with the people of Nigeria, we unequivocally denounce this proposed repressive legislation and vow to protect the constitutional rights of Nigerians.
“We will stop at nothing to protect whatever is left of our democratic rights as Nigerians, including mobilizing Nigerians to the streets if this draconian bill is not withdrawn immediately.” Juwon said.
The bill sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, among other things, also stipulates that individuals who vandalise or destroy national symbols, shall face identical penalties, including a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
Set for second reading, the bill stipulates “that anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge, defacing a place of worship with intent to incite violence, or undermining the Federal Government shall face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both”.
The bill also proposes that, “anyone who sets up an illegal roadblock, performs unauthorised traffic duties, imposes an illegal curfew, or organises an unlawful procession will be subject to a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both upon conviction”.