Abbas Clears Air On Counter Subversion Bill

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has addressed the controversies and misconceptions surrounding the Counter Subversion Bill, which has recently sparked significant public interest and media attention.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Speaker Abbas emphasized the need to clear up any misunderstandings regarding the bill, which he personally sponsored.

He acknowledged the public’s concern and expressed appreciation for the attention the bill has received, particularly given its focus on national security.

Speaker Abbas clarified that the Counter Subversion Bill, 2024 (HB. 1652) was introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives on July 23, 2024, and is still in its early stages.

He noted that the bill falls within Nigeria’s broader anti-terrorism framework and aims to address subversive activities by various groups, including militias, cults, and other proscribed organizations.

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He noted that the bill falls within Nigeria’s broader anti-terrorism framework and aims to address subversive activities by various groups, including militias, cults, and other proscribed organizations.

The Speaker assured Nigerians that the bill would undergo a thorough legislative process, beginning with its Second Reading, where its merits and demerits will be debated by House members.

He emphasized that this stage allows for the bill to be either passed or rejected based on the discussions. Should the bill advance past this stage, it would then be referred to the relevant House Committee, which would invite public input through a hearing.

Speaker Abbas further stated that the public hearing would be an opportunity for Nigerians to voice their opinions, which would be carefully considered in the Committee’s report.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D has been drawn to reports in sections of the media about the Counter Subversion Bill, which he sponsored.

“The Speaker appreciates the interest Nigerians have so far shown on the Bill, which pertains to our national security.

“However, it has become necessary to make the following clarifications, considering the tilted reports and misconceptions about the Bill:

“The Counter Subversion Bill, 2024 (HB. 1652) was introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D. as the sponsor. Thus, the Bill is still at the introductory stage.

“The Bill falls within the realm of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework, and it seeks to address subversive activities by associations, organisations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed groups in Nigeria.

“Similar legislation obtains in other climes with varied appellations. Such countries include the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Turkey, Canada, Australia, among others.

“The Speaker, and by extension the House of Representatives, which is the People’s House, welcome robust engagements and discussions from Nigerians on the contents of the Bill, and how best to address the concerns raised.

“By Parliamentary processes and procedures, the Bill would have to be listed for Second Reading, where Members will thoroughly scrutinize its merits and demerits during debate. At this stage, Members can decide to ‘kill’ or allow the Bill to pass. But if it scales Second Reading, it would be referred to the relevant Committee of the House for further legislative action.

“The Committee must as a matter of responsibility, invite the Nigerian public, particularly relevant stakeholders, to a public hearing on the Bill. It is expected that citizens would bear their minds either physically or via memoranda on the Bill. Their inputs would form the basis for the Committee’s report, to be laid on the floor of the House.”

Tajudeen has indicated that following the review of the report, the Bill will proceed to the Third Reading and subsequently be sent to the Senate for approval. Should the Senate find the Bill acceptable and grant its concurrence, a finalized version will be forwarded to the President for his approval.

The President retains the authority to refuse assent to the Bill.
The Speaker has assured the citizens of Nigeria that the Bill is comprehensive in nature, addressing the nation’s security concerns without targeting any specific group or region.

Furthermore, Abbas stated that the Bill, along with any other proposed legislation presented to the House, will undergo all necessary legislative procedures, allowing Nigerians sufficient opportunity to provide their feedback, which will be integral to the final evaluation of the Bill.