Nigerians may need to prepare for another nationwide protest.
The House of Representatives is currently considering a bill that would impose penalties on Nigerians who fail to recite the national anthem.
But guess what?
The Take It Back Movement, one of the major organisers of the recently concluded #EndBadGovernance protest, has frowned bitterly at this bill.
In fact, the rights advocating organization has announced its intention to initiate a new nationwide protest.
The protest is in response to the recently proposed legislation concerning the national anthem.
This threat comes days after the conclusion of the #EndBadGovernance protests organised by the same group.
The National Anthem Bill
The proposed bill was sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
It seeks to enforce a fine of ₦5 million or a prison sentence of up to 10 years, or both.
This penalties are for individuals who damage national symbols or refuse to recite the national anthem and pledge.
Reacting in a statement released on Wednesday, the Take It Back Movement expressed strong opposition to the bill.
To the group, the said bill poses a threat to the fundamental rights of citizens.
The statement was released by the organization’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu.
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It emphasised that the “bill should be rejected and not enacted into law.
”Instead, the government should focus on addressing the root causes of conflict and division within the nation.”
The Protest
The group has warned of a nationwide demonstration should the bill be enacted, despite widespread public discontent.
The statement added: “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.
“This includes mobilising Nigerians to the streets if this draconian bill is not withdrawn immediately”.
