Protest to commence again as rumors of bill to silence protesters emerges

Following the just-concluded ten-day nationwide protests against hunger and hardship, there is growing tension as Nigerian youths gear up for renewed protests amid rumors of a controversial bill that could potentially restrict freedom of expression and assembly.

The development comes as the nation grapples with ongoing economic challenges and security concerns, especially in the North.

According to a report from Peter Obi Grassroots Mobilization via its X handle @PO_GrassRootM, Arewa youths were planning a large-scale protest in October if their demands are not met. 

It reads: "Arewa youths planning for a bigger protest in October if their demands of ending hunger and insecurity in Nigeria are not fulfilled before then."

Barely two days after the ten-day nationwide protests had ended, adding fuel to the fire was the emergence of the Counter Subversion Bill 2024, introduced in the House of Representatives. 

Sahara Reporters has revealed details of the proposed legislation, which has raised alarm among civil rights activists and citizens alike on social media platforms, especially the X platform.

The bill, sponsored by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, outlined severe penalties for a range of actions deemed subversive. 

Most notably, it proposed a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence or both for individuals found guilty of refusing to recite the national anthem. 

The bill which is set for its second reading partly “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."

It also noted 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."

The bill equally proposed that any 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 million 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 million or imprisonment for a term of four years or both."

There has been bitter reactions from people on social media platforms, saying the bill could be used to silence legitimate dissent and restrict civil liberties, especially against peaceful protesters and opposition voices.

Allnews.ng recalls that Nigerians in their numbers had come out to protest hunger and hardship with the slogan #EndBadGovernance which commenced on August 1, 2024 and ended on August 10, 2024.

However in a turn of events, the protests in various parts of the country were hijacked by hoodlums who took advantage of the situation to vandalize and loot public and private properties while there has been reported allegations on police use of force against peaceful protesters.