Controversial 'subversion' Bill withdrawn

A Bill which critics said would have allowed the Nigerian Government to crack down on dissent has been withdrawn. Supporters said the Bill was intended to stop what were seen as subversive activities. But a Voice of America report says Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of Nigeria's lower chamber of Parliament and sponsor of the Bill, withdrew it last week, saying the decision was made in response to public concerns, and after careful consideration of Nigeria's current circumstances. The Counter Subversion Bill, with 24 clauses, had reached the first reading in Parliament, a significant step in Nigeria's legislative process, since it was introduced in late July. The Bill called for a 10-year jail term or a hefty fine for refusing to recite the national anthem and a five-year sentence for erecting an illegal roadblock, proposing illegal curfews or conducting illegal processions. Damilare Akinola, an Abuja-based human rights activist, called the Bill ‘thoughtless.’ The Bill said citizens who disobeyed constituted authority could be jailed for three years. It was introduced in the wake of anti-government demonstrations in Nigeria. Earlier this month, thousands marched in the streets of Nigeria's major cities to demand a reversal of government actions, especially the removal of fuel subsidies. The protests turned violent when security agents applied excessive force to disperse demonstrators. Amnesty International said 23 people were killed.

Full Voice of America report