The Take It Back Movement, a prominent rights advocacy organisation, has issued a warning of fresh nationwide protests following the recent introduction of a controversial bill in the House of Representatives.
The bill, which has sparked widespread outrage, seeks to impose severe penalties on Nigerians who refuse to recite the national anthem.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, aims to penalise individuals with a fine of N5 million or a prison term of up to 10 years, or both, for refusing to recite the national anthem, pledge, or damaging national symbols.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Take It Back Movement vehemently opposed the bill, arguing that it threatens the fundamental rights of Nigerians.
The statement, signed by the organization’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, called for the immediate withdrawal of the bill, urging the government to focus on addressing the root causes of discord in the country.
“We have observed significant public backlash against the bill, with citizens expressing their discontent,” the statement read. “We perceive this legislation as an effort to stifle the rights of Nigerians, and we stand with the people in condemning this unfair proposal.”
The organisation further warned that it would mobilise nationwide protests if the bill was passed into law despite public opposition. “We will stop at nothing to protect whatever is left of our democratic rights as Nigerians, including mobilising Nigerians to the streets if this draconian bill is not withdrawn immediately,” the statement concluded.
