Nigerian Lawmakers Push for Harsh Penalties in Counter Subversion Bill

Nigerian lawmakers are debating the Counter Subversion Bill, which proposes severe jail terms for actions deemed subversive. Critics argue it targets dissent following recent anti-government protests. The bill suggests penalties like a 10-year imprisonment for not reciting the national anthem, and it advances to a second reading in parliament.

Nigerian lawmakers are currently deliberating the Counter Subversion Bill, a legislative proposal that could see severe punishments, including up to 10 years in jail for actions considered subversive.

The bill, which is still in its early stages of debate, proposes a 10-year sentence for refusing to recite the national anthem, a five-year term for creating an 'illegal roadblock,' and three years for 'disobeying constituted authority.' The initiative follows a nationwide outcry against economic reforms, leading to a surge in living costs and deadly police responses, which resulted in at least 23 fatalities.

Critics argue that the proposed legislation is a government effort to stifle opposition and curb public demonstrations. The bill, sponsored by Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives, has now progressed to the floor for a second reading, signifying a crucial phase in the legislative process. (Additional reporting by Camillus Eboh in Abuja; Editing by Elisha Bala-Gbogbo and Angus MacSwan)

(With inputs from agencies.)