National Anthem: Alleged Bill Proposing Prison Term or Fine for Unpatriotic Citizens

 A bill allegedly proposed by The National Assembly, has advocated the arrest and prosecution of Nigerian citizens who fail to recite the national anthem and pledge. According to documents circulated on social media, 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 advocated various other fines and jail terms for offences such as unauthorized processions, roadblocks, illegal curfews and defacement of places of worship.

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Reacting to the bill and the proposed strident measures for the listed offences, Nigerians have harshly criticized the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. They have also labelled Nigeria the "North Korea of Africa" in reference to the dictatorship government of North Korea's supreme leader, Kim jong Un. Nigerians urged the members of the legislature to draft a bill proposing similar punishment for thieving lawmakers and politicians across the country.