Aisha Yesufu was recently seen sitting while others stood during the rendition of the new national anthem
By Kehinde Okeowo
Human rights activist and popular social media influencer, Aisha Yesufu has said she’ll rather spend 20 years in prison than sing the new national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee”.
She made this known on Wednesday via her X page, while commenting on the “Counter Subversion Bill” being passed by the House of Representatives.
The bill which was sponsored by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, 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 further stated 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.
Reacting to the controversial bill, Yesufu said she would rather serve a prison term than recite what she described as “President Bola Tinubu’s anthem”.
Speaking via her verified social media handle, she tweeted: “Will choose 20 years in prison rather than sing Tinubu’s anthem passed by slaves masquerading as lawmakers in the National Assembly.”
Nigerians will recall that the activist turned politician publicly rejected the recently adopted national anthem.
In a video which made the rounds on the Internet Aisha Yesufu, was seen sitting while others stood during the rendition of the new anthem.
She later shared a video clip that captured the moment on her official X handle and wrote: “Not my anthem”.
