Aisha Yesufu, a prominent social critic, has declared her refusal to recite the new national anthem, describing it as “Tinubu’s anthem”.
She made this statement in response to a proposed bill that seeks to punish individuals who refuse to recite the national anthem with 10 years imprisonment or a N5 million fine.
Yesufu took to social media to express her defiance, stating, “Will choose 20 years in prison rather than sing Tinubu’s anthem passed by slaves masquerading as lawmakers in the National Assembly.” Her post sparked a wave of reactions, with many Nigerians weighing in on the controversial bill.
The proposed bill, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, has been met with widespread criticism. The bill seeks to punish individuals who destroy national symbols, refuse to recite the national anthem and pledge, or engage in actions that lead to separatist agitation or inter-group conflict.
This is not the first time Yesufu has publicly rejected the new national anthem. In a recent video, she was seen sitting while others stood during the recitation of the anthem, and later shared a clip with the caption “Not my anthem”.
The proposed bill has sparked a national debate on freedom of expression and the limits of patriotism. Yesufu’s defiance has added fuel to the fire, with many Nigerians calling for the bill to be withdrawn.
