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The Nigerian House of Representatives has introduced the Counter Subversion Law 2024 which aims to impose strict penalties on people involved in separatist activities and those who may incite violence in the country.
According to The Sun which was observed by PRUDENTJ2, this legislation specifically targets those who engage in secessionist agitations, including but not limited to members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
If this law is passed, whoever gets convicted under it can be jailed for a period of twenty-five years, fined ten million naira or both.
Furthermore, this bill also criminalizes such behaviors as defacing national symbols, failing to sing along with the national anthem, constructing illegal road blocks or holding unauthorized protests. The punishments range between two million naira and five million naira fine or imprisonment from five up to ten years.
There are parts of the bill that also punish individuals or groups that engage in activities which promote mutual suspicion, mistrust or intolerance that could lead into conflict or violence. Anyone found guilty of these crimes would be liable for a fine worth five million naira or ten years imprisonment or even both.
The bill, pushed by speaker Tajudeen Abbas is now set for its second reading where members will discuss the principles and effects of it. The law when enacted would demonstrate a strong position taken towards any state’s actions that impinge on Nigeria’s peace, unity and security.
Moreover, the proposed legislation aims at ensnaring those who receive monetary or political assistance from foreign agents which are incompatible with Nigerian interests. In this case, such individuals may be fined up to 15 million naira or imprisoned for 20 years.
This law is considered an important step by the Nigerian authorities in curbing secessionist movements as well as ensuring national security.
