Prominent Nigerian social critic and activist Aisha Yesufu has sparked controversy by declaring she would rather face 20 years in prison than sing what she describes as “President Bola Tinubu’s anthem,” referring to Nigeria’s new national anthem.
Yesufu’s statement comes in response to a proposed bill currently awaiting its second reading in the National Assembly.
The bill, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, suggests severe penalties for actions deemed to promote separatist agitation or inter-group conflicts. These penalties include up to 25 years of imprisonment, a fine of N10 million, or both.
The proposed legislation also outlines punishments for individuals who refuse to recite the national anthem and pledge, or who engage in actions seen as subverting the Federal Government. Offenders could face fines of up to N5 million, 10 years of imprisonment, or both.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Yesufu stated, “I will choose 20 years in prison rather than sing Tinubu’s anthem passed by slaves masquerading as lawmakers in the National Assembly.”
This is not the first time Yesufu has demonstrated her opposition to the new national anthem. At a recent event, she remained seated while others stood for the anthem’s recitation, later sharing a video of the incident with the caption “Not my anthem.”
The activist’s stance has reignited debates about freedom of expression and national unity in Nigeria, as the country grapples with issues of separatist movements and inter-group tensions.
