By Amah
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Feelers from the National Assembly and human rights organisations indicate that Nigerians may troop out again in another wave of nationwide protests.
This follows a controversial bill that seeks to penalize anyone for refusing to recite the national anthem.
According to the bill, which is currently before the House of Representatives, anyone who refuses to recite the national anthem or pledge, or destroys national symbols on conviction would be subjected to a fine of N5 million or 10 years imprisonment, or both but many Nigerians have kicked against the bill,saying it is an effort to stifle the rights of Nigerians.
Already, the Take It Back Movement, a rights advocacy organisation, has threatened to mobilise and lead Nigerians in a nationwide demonstration if the bill becomes a law, describing it as draconian.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, the Take It Back Movement said: “As a pro-people’s movement dedicated to justice and progress, we have observed significant public backlash against the bill, as citizens express their discontent.
“We perceive this legislation as an effort to stifle the rights of Nigerians, and we proudly stand with the people in raising our voices to condemn this unfair proposal.
“In solidarity with the people of Nigeria, we unequivocally denounce this proposed repressive legislation and vow to protect the constitutional rights of Nigerians.
“We will stop at nothing to protect whatever is left of our democratic rights as Nigerians, including mobilizing Nigerians to the streets if this draconian bill is not withdrawn immediately.”
