A fresh round of protests is on the horizon as the Take It Back Movement, an advocacy group known for the EndBadGovernance campaign, vows to rally against a controversial bill concerning the national anthem.
According to reports from NewsNow, a bill currently under consideration in the House of Representatives aims to penalize individuals who refuse to recite the national anthem.
Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the bill proposes imposing a hefty fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both, on those who desecrate national symbols or decline to recite the anthem and pledge.
In response, the Take It Back Movement issued a statement on Wednesday strongly opposing the bill, citing it as a threat to the basic rights of Nigerians.
The National Coordinator of the organization, Juwon Sanyaolu, emphasized that the bill should be rejected outright and not enacted into law. Instead, efforts should be focused on addressing the root causes of discord and conflict within the country.
Should the bill proceed despite public outcry, the advocacy group has vowed to organize nationwide protests in defiance.
Expressing solidarity with the Nigerian populace, the statement declared, “We view this proposed legislation as an attempt to suppress the rights of Nigerians, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with the people in condemning this unjust proposal.”
“We categorically denounce this repressive bill and pledge to safeguard the constitutional rights of Nigerians,” the statement continued.
“We are committed to defending whatever democratic rights remain for Nigerians, including rallying citizens to take to the streets if this draconian bill is not immediately withdrawn.”