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

Aisha Yesufu, a social critic, has stated that she would prefer to spend 20 years in prison rather than sing the new national anthem, which she refers to as President Bola Tinubu’s anthem.

Her comment follows reports of a Bill proposing severe penalties, including up to 25 years imprisonment or a fine of N10 million, for those involved in separatist activities or who refuse to recite the national anthem.

The Bill, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, also includes penalties for defacing national symbols and places of worship. In response, Yesufu expressed her willingness to serve a prison sentence rather than comply with the anthem requirement.

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.”