Senate Moves To Penalise Disrespect Of The National Anthem

Strolling while the Nigeria’s National Anthem is being recited may soon be punishable by law, as the Senate on Thursday passed its bill through second reading.

The advancement of the bill is a significant step in standardising its rendition as well as protecting the National Anthem, which most of the senators agree is currently exposed to risk of annihilation.

The bill is sponsored by Osita Izunaso PDP from Imo state who also sponsored the bill to mandate doctors to treat
accident victims without police reports. (I totally support this bill)

“Our National Anthem if not backed by law, might be rightly jettisoned into the historical dustbin if any President feels he does not like it,’’ Mr. Izunaso said.

The bill seeks, among other things, to give a legal framework to the National Anthem and gives protection to it against unwarranted tampering and abuse.The bill is to make the playing of the Nigerian Anthem a revered, respectful and solemn occasion and prescribes penalties for anyone who deliberately brings contempt and ridicule to the act.

He lamented that the national anthem which “encapsulates our collective pride and patriotism, is not backed up with any legal instrument.”

Source: 234next