FEDERAL Lawmakers in both the Senate and the Federal House of Representatives have given reasons for their support of the bill to revert to the old national anthem, “Nigeria We hail thee”.
This followed the passage of a bill to revert to the old national anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” which passed the second reading at the Nigerian Senate, on Thursday, May 23.
The bill was also passed by the Federal House of Representatives on Thursday, having scaled the first, second and third reading.
Providing insight into the reason for the passage of “A Bill for an Act to Provide for National Anthem, 2024,” the Senate leader, Bamidele Opeyemi, who sponsored the bill, said the old anthem aligns with the vision of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and will promote national unity.
The old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” whose lyrics were written by Lilian Jean Williams in 1959, and sung between 1960 and 1978, was replaced with the current one “Arise, O Compatriots” in 1978.
While lending support to the motion, a senator representing Enugu North, Okechuukwu Ezea, explained that the old anthem evoked more emotional connections with the Nigerian people.
He pointed out that the current anthem is vague and does not pass any message.
Another, Senator who spoke in favour of the bill, Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, added that the current anthem is a product of a military junta and does not reflect the aspirations of Nigerians.
On his part, Jimoh Ibrahim said “If Nigeria we get the National anthem right, we will get Nigeria right.”
Although, the approach with the passage of the bill was faulted by some senators, including Adams Oshiomhole and Mohammed Goje, of the ruling party All Progressive Congress, the bill scaled through second reading.
Reps passed bill, seeking to bring back National anthem
Despite opposition by some lawmakers in the federal House of Representatives, the bill, sponsored by the Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, scaled through the first, second and third reading within minutes.
Speaking on the importance of going back to the anthem the House Leader, Ihonvbere, emphasised the need for Nigerians to see the anthem as a national symbol and sign of authority, one which does not deny the realities.
However, while opposing the bill, the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, noted that the old anthem has a colonial tag which was the reason for the new anthem.
Chinda further questioned the importance of the anthem change at a time of more important challenges in the country.
However, the bill was given an expedited hearing and subsequently passed by the lawmakers.
The old anthem, composed to music by Frances Berda, read:
Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribe and tongue may differ
In brotherhood we stand
Nigerians all and proud to serve
Our sovereign motherland
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign
In peace or battle honour
And this we count as gain
To pass unto our children
A banner without stain
O God of all creation
Grant this our one request
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.
While the current goes as:
The current national anthem read thus:
Arise, O Compatriots,
Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our Fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain,
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom,
Peace and unity.
Oh God of all creation,
Direct our noble cause
Guide our leaders right
Help our youth the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace
And justice shall reign.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M