…Draft legislation still at introductory stage
…House welcomes robust discussions on the Bill, and how to address concerns
The attention of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D has been drawn to reports in sections of the media about the Counter Subversion Bill, which he sponsored.
The Speaker appreciates the interest Nigerians have so far shown on the Bill, which pertains to our national security.
However, it has become necessary to make the following clarifications, considering the tilted reports and misconceptions about the Bill:
1. The Counter Subversion Bill, 2024 (HB. 1652) was introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D. as the sponsor. Thus, the Bill is still at the introductory stage.
2. The Bill falls within the realm of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework, and it seeks to address subversive activities by associations, organisations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed groups in Nigeria.
3. Similar legislation obtains in other climes with varied appellations. Such countries include the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Turkey, Canada, Australia, among others.
4. The Speaker, and by extension the House of Representatives, which is the People’s House, welcome robust engagements and discussions from Nigerians on the contents of the Bill, and how best to address the concerns raised.
5. By Parliamentary processes and procedures, the Bill would have to be listed for Second Reading, where Members will thoroughly scrutinize its merits and demerits during debate. At this stage, Members can decide to ‘kill’ or allow the Bill to pass. But if it scales Second Reading, it would be referred to the relevant Committee of the House for further legislative action.
6. The Committee must as a matter of responsibility invite the Nigerian public, particularly relevant stakeholders, to a public hearing on the Bill. It is expected that citizens would bear their minds either physically or via memoranda on the Bill. Their inputs would form the basis for the Committee’s report, to be laid on the floor of the House.
7. After the consideration of the report, the Bill will be passed for the Third Reading and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence. If the Senate deems it fit and concurs with the Bill, a clean copy would be transmitted to the President for assent. Mr. President reserves the right to withhold assent to the Bill.
The Speaker assures Nigerians that the Bill is all-encompassing as it relates to Nigeria’s national security and does not target any group or section of the country.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D further promises that the Bill, and indeed any other draft legislation before the House, will pass through all the legislative processes, and Nigerians would have ample opportunity to make their inputs, which will constitute the final consideration (or otherwise) of the Bill.
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On Tue, Jul 30, 2024, 15:43 Ahmed Musa Baba
Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
July 30, 2024
Shelve your action in Nigeria’s interest, Speaker Abbas appeals to protests planners
…says Tinubu working round the clock to address citizens’ plight
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has passionately appealed to the planners of the nationwide protests, especially the Nigerian youth, to shelve their action in the interest of the country and its citizens.
Speaker Abbas, who noted the frustrations and reservations of the Nigerian youth, said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is not relenting in its efforts to bring succour to Nigerians.
The Speaker also said the House of Representatives has taken measures to continuously engage the youth to hear their earnings and aspirations with a view to addressing them.
“I address you today with a heart full of empathy and a deep sense of duty. We are living through challenging times, and I want to acknowledge the difficulties that many of you, especially our youth, are facing. The economic pressures, social uncertainties, and other related concerns weigh heavily on our nation.
“Your frustrations and reservations are not lost on us. We hear your cries for change, for a better and more equitable Nigeria. I want to assure you that these concerns are taken with the utmost seriousness by the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. We are committed to listening, engaging, and working with you to find sustainable solutions to the issues that confront us.
“The government has initiated several policies and programs aimed at addressing the needs and aspirations of our youth. One of such initiatives is the introduction of student loans to ease the burden of educational expenses and ensure that no Nigerian youth is denied the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams due to financial constraints.”
Speaker Abbas added that, “The Tinubu-led administration has also made significant strides in providing access to funds for young entrepreneurs through various schemes, such as the Consumer Credit Scheme, designed to support innovation and enterprise.
“In addition, we are focusing on job creation and skills development. Programs aimed at enhancing employability and creating sustainable livelihoods are being prioritised. We are committed to ensuring that the Nigerian youth are not just jobseekers but job creators.
“I also want to highlight the efforts of the House of Representatives in this regard. We are in the process of developing formal legislative mechanisms to ensure continuous engagement and dialogue with our youth. We believe that your voices must be heard, and we are creating platforms for regular interaction to build consensus on the way forward.
“Therefore, I urge you to remember that nation-building is a collective task. We must shun violence and embrace dialogue. Your right to protest is acknowledged and respected. Let us use legitimate avenues to express our grievances and work together towards constructive solutions.
“At this juncture, I appeal to the planners of these nation protests to shelve their action for the interest of our nation. Let’s give the government more time. Let’s open doors for purposeful dialogue with the government. As I have mentioned above, there are measures taken by the government to nip our challenges in the bud.
“In conclusion, I want to reaffirm the commitment of the House of Representatives to stand with you, to work with you, and to ensure that your future is bright.”
Signed:
Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
