Aisha Yesufu's Stance on Sing the New National Anthem or Face a 10 year Jail Term Bill...

Activist Aisha Yesufu has expressed strong opposition to the new national anthem that President Tinubu is expected to sign into law in May 2024. Yesufu has stated that she would rather serve a twenty-year prison sentence than perform the new anthem, which is set to replace the former anthem, "Arise O' Compatriots," with the old anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail The."

Yesufu, who previously made headlines by remaining seated during the playing of the new anthem, reacted sharply to the proposed CounterSubversionBill. The bill, sponsored by Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas, seeks to impose severe penalties for failing to recite the new anthem, destroying national symbols, and other offenses.

The bill stipulates that those guilty of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the anthem or pledge, or undermining the Federal Government could face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both. It also includes provisions for fines and imprisonment for setting up illegal roadblocks, conducting unauthorized traffic duties, or forcefully taking over public or private places.

In response to the proposed legislation, Yesufu criticized it on her X handle, calling the lawmakers who support it "slaves masquerading as lawmakers." The bill’s general concepts will be discussed during its second reading.