Not my anthem’ Aisha Yusufu insists, prefers 20 years in imprisonment to singing ‘Tinubu’s Anthem’

By Ugo Onyenomnachi

As Nigerians continue to react to the proposed Bill before the House of Representatives on punishment for refusal to recite the national anthem and pledge among others, Aisha Yesufu, a social critic has said she would rather choose 20 years in prison than stand to recite the new anthem.

The anthem which she had rejected when it was readopted on 29th May and declared ‘not my anthem’ for which she has reenacted her stand once more by preferring to be in prison than sing the anthem she labelled ‘ Tinubu’s anthem’ .

The Bill sponsored by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas 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.

The Bill also says 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.

Aisha posted on her ‘X’ handle thus, “I Will choose 20 years in prison rather than sing Tinubu’s anthem passed by slaves masquerading as lawmakers in the National Assembly.”

In a video then in May while in a public function, she was sighted sitting while others stood recitation of the new national anthem was on.

A video clip she shared on her official X handle captured the moment she wrote: “Not my anthem” and has remained resolute to that.

Aisha a social crusader and politician has maintained her critic of various past governments in Nigeria of which present administration has not been left out.