The House of Representatives has passed a bill to revert to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The bill swiftly moved through the first, second, and third readings within minutes.
During the lead debate, House Leader Professor Julius Ihonvbere emphasized the need for Nigerians to view the anthem as a national symbol and authority, reflecting the country’s realities. The old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was replaced in 1978 by the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots.”
However, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda opposed the bill, arguing that the old anthem carries a colonial tag since it was authored and composed by Britons. He questioned the relevance of the anthem change amidst more pressing national challenges.
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Despite opposition, the bill was expedited and passed by the lawmakers. In the Senate, the bill passed the first and second readings and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, which will report back in two weeks. Senators supporting the bill believe it will promote unity, peace, and prosperity better than the current anthem.