Rita Odafe
Ikenga Ugochinyere, the representative for Ideato North South Federal Constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives, lauded Speaker Hon Tajudeen Abbas for pulling back the contentious Counter Subversion Bill and other related drafts.
Abbas retracted the subversion bill after facing opposition from many Nigerians.
The bill proposed a 10-year prison sentence, a N5 million fine, or both for individuals who refuse to recite the national anthem and pledge.
The withdrawal was announced in a press release by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, following consultations with various stakeholders and an evaluation of the nation’s current situation.
Krishi emphasized that retracting the bill demonstrates Tajudeen’s commitment to not endorse any legislation that could jeopardize the peace and unity of the nation.
In response, Ugochinyere, the Chair of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream, stated that this action validates the legislative agenda focused on meeting citizens’ needs and emphasizes listening to promote unity.
He mentioned, “I commend our amiable Speaker, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas for retracting the Counter Subversion Bill and related drafts. This shows the 10th House’s dedication to crafting a legislative agenda that resonates with citizens’ hopes and serves as a yardstick for evaluating our performance in four years.
With this move, it is evident that the 10th House of Representatives is prepared to promptly address the desires of those who elected us to conduct the people’s business.”
