A prominent social critic, Aisha Yesufu, has declared that she would rather spend 20 years in prison than recite the new national anthem, which she refers to as “Tinubu’s anthem”.
Her statement comes in response to a proposed bill that would punish individuals for not reciting the national anthem or pledge, among other offenses, with up to 25 years in prison or a N10 million fine.
Yesufu has been a vocal critic of the new national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee”, and has publicly rejected it.
In a recent video, she was seen sitting while others stood during the recitation of the anthem, and later shared the clip with the caption “Not my anthem”.
Her defiance comes as a bill sponsored by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, proposes harsh penalties for actions deemed to be separatist or divisive, including refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge.
Yesufu’s stance has sparked debate and highlights the controversy surrounding the new national anthem.
She posted on X: “Will choose 20 years in prison rather than sing Tinubu’s anthem passed by slaves masquerading as lawmakers in the National Assembly.”
Meanwhile, the bill, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, was read in the chamber for the first time on July 23, 2024.
Under the proposed legislation, individuals who refuse to recite the national anthem face a fine of ₦5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.
The bill also extends this punishment to anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols or defacing a place of worship with intent to incite violence.
“The bill stipulates that anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge, defacing a place of worship with intent to incite violence, or undermining the Federal Government shall face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both,” reads a section of the proposed law.
Further, the bill outlines penalties for other provocative acts, “Anyone who sets up an illegal roadblock, performs unauthorized traffic duties, imposes an illegal curfew, or organizes an unlawful procession will be subject to a fine of ₦2 million, five years in prison, or both upon conviction.”
In addition, those who forcefully take over places of worship, public or private spaces, or commit similar acts through duress or undue influence face similar penalties.
The bill also targets individuals who pledge loyalty to organisations disregarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, imposing a fine of N3 million or up to four years in prison for such offences.
This bill follows the recent re-adoption of Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” which President Bola Tinubu reinstated in May.
