The House of Representatives has passed a bill to revert to the former national anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The bill hurriedly moved through its first, second, and third readings within minutes.
House Leader Professor Julius Ihonvbere led the debate advocating for the return to the old anthem.
He emphasized the need for Nigerians to recognize the anthem as a national symbol and a sign of authority, one that does not deny the country’s realities.
The anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was replaced by the current anthem “Arise, O Compatriots” in 1978.
However, the bill faced opposition from Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda. Chinda argued that the old anthem carries a colonial connotation, which was the reason for adopting the new anthem in the first place. He pointed out that the old anthem was authored and composed by Britons. Chinda also questioned the timing and importance of changing the anthem given the more pressing challenges facing the country.
Despite this opposition, the bill was expedited and passed by the lawmakers. In the Senate, the bill successfully passed through its first and second readings.
It has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, which is expected to report back to the house within two weeks.
Senators appeared unanimous in their support for the bill, arguing that the old anthem would serve as a better symbol for unity, peace, and prosperity compared to the current one.
