A bill seeking to change the current national anthem titled “Arise, O Compatriots” to revert to the old national anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” has passed a second reading at the Senate.
This is just as the Bill was passed at the House of Representatives on Thursday. It received an accelerated hearing at the lower house as it was read for the first, second and third time.
At the Senate, the legislation entitled “A Bill for an Act to provide for National Anthem , 2024” and sponsored by Bamidele Opeyemi, the Senate leader was read for the second time after lawmakers supported it during plenary.
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was adopted as Nigeria’s first national anthem on October 1, 1960. The anthem’s lyrics were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria when it achieved independence. Frances Berda composed the music for “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
The former anthem was used from independence in 1960 until 1978 when the present anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” was adopted in 1978 to replace it.
Leading the debate on the Bill, the Senate leader noted that the old anthem is in line with the vision of the President Bola Tinubu led administration, and will ensure unity of the country.
Also speaking in favour of the Bill, Tahir Monguno, the Lawmaker representing Borno North said the Bill was apt, noting that the current anthem is a product of a military junta and does not reflect the aspirations of Nigerians.
Also speaking, Okechuukwu Ezea, the lawmaker representing Enugu North said the old anthem evoked more emotion, adding that the current anthem is vague and does not pass any message.
In his submission, Jimoh Ibrahim, while supporting the Bill noted that “if Nigeria we get the National anthem right, we will get Nigeria right.”
The Bill was consequently passesd after getting support of lawmakers. They also agreed that a public hearing would be conducted to also get the input of Nigerians.
Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, then referred the Bill to the Senate Committees on Judiciary, federal character, intergovernmental affairs to report back as soon as possible.
Here is how Nigerians reacted to this news
madibaofcomedy True, good move, that anthem will help boost our currency, Security and end the poor Power supply in the country more grace and congratulations, That’s all we need right now
bawo_om Shey una dey see say this people no really get work
maryvictors We don’t have priorities in this country.
queen_jay_dee Everyone using this to catch cruise in the C.S,no one is talking about the real problem – your representatives. Do you know how much they will be paid for this sitting??? Just to talk about a bloody anthem when we have serious problems rocking the country.
–ajalasam Irrelevant, misplaced priority, so national anthem is the problem now ???
chekwube_okafor_chekwus Shey na national anthem be our problem? Which kind yeye country be this?
carter_trillz With wetin Nigeria don show us, truly truly, Nigeria we hail thee.
iam_folayan_ Misplaced priorities! So nah national anthem be una problem now abi wen 3k pepper no fit cook stew again
mmakwelilian Shebi na national anthem be our problem for this country, ndi ara
chuksyno Blood of jesus. Wetin be this?
sweetest_babyyysophie The National anthem should be Tinubu we hail thee” cos nor be small thing e dey take our see
—y_.u_.S_.u_.f._ Even this one we dey use no be everybody sabi am you won change am again
–oma_kris Who get strength to start relearning new anthem
lacoolgeneral Person never fit learn the recent national anthem finish and una dy add we hail thee join
