I Will Choose 20 Years In Prison Than Sing Tinubu’s Anthem – Aisha Yesufu

Aisha Yesufu, an activist, claims that she would sooner go to jail for twenty years than sing the new national anthem that President Tinubu would sign into law in May 2024.

A measure to replace the former National Anthem, “Arise O’ Compatriots,” with the old song, “Nigeria, We Hail The,” was passed by the National Assembly in May.

Aisha Yesufu is among the Nigerians who have sworn they will never recognise or sing the new national song. Aisha made headlines in May when she remained seated during the playing of the new national anthem.

Using her X account, Ms. Yesufu responded to the proposed “CounterSubversionBill,” which aims to punish anyone who does not recite the new national anthem, by stating that she would sooner go to jail than sing the song that was made legislation by “slaves masquerading as lawmakers.”

The general concepts of the Bill, which is sponsored by Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas, will be discussed during its second reading.

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”.

The Bill also “states that anyone who sets up an illegal roadblock performs unauthorised traffic duties, imposes an illegal curfew, or organises an unlawful procession will be subject to a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both upon conviction”.

‘’Any person who forcefully takes over any place of worship, town hall, school, premises, public or private place, arena, or a similar place through duress, undue influence, subterfuge or other similar activities, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5 million or imprisonment for a term of 10 years or both”.

“A person who professes loyalty, pledges or agrees to belong to an organisation that disregards the sovereignty of Nigeria, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N3 million or imprisonment for a term of four years or both,” it added.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli