Controversial Bill: I choose 20 years in prison than sing ‘Tinubu’s anthem’ – Aisha Yesufu

A social critic, Aisha Yesufu says she will choose to spend 20 years in prison than sing the new national anthem, which she described as President Bola Tinubu’s anthem.

Her statement comes after a report emerged that a Bill, sponsored by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, and now awaiting the second reading, proposed a 25-year imprisonment or N10 million fine, or both, for any person convicted for making a statement or taking an action that leads to separatist agitation or inter-group or sectional conflict in the country.

According to The Sun, the Bill states that any person who destroys national symbols, refuses to recite the national anthem and pledge, defaces a place of worship with the intent to cause violence and subverts the Federal Government shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine of N5 million or 10 years imprisonment or both, amongst others.

However, in reaction, Yesufu said she would rather serve a prison term than recite the anthem.

She posted on X: “Will choose 20 years in prison rather than sing Tinubu’s anthem passed by slaves masquerading as lawmakers in the National Assembly.”

The Nigerian activist and politician had publicly rejected the recently adopted national anthem, ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’.

In a video, the activist who was in an event, chose to sit while others stood during the recitation of the new anthem.

Yesufu who later shared a video clip that captured the moment on her official X handle, Aisha wrote: “Not my anthem”.