The Nigerian senate, on Tuesday, passed the national anthem bill 2024, which proposes reverting to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee.” this bill, which swiftly passed its first and second readings on Thursday, last week, now heads to the President’s desk. The legislation aims to replace the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” with the anthem composed at Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960.
The House of representatives had passed the legislation through first to third reading last week, a move many considered as too hasty. The attorney general of the federation and minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, expressed concerns with the speed at which the bill was moving through the house and senate saying that the bill must first be subjected to zonal public hearings, a referendum and a resolution of the Federal Executive Council before its passage.
However, senators disagreed with the AGF. Senator Mohammed Monguno, chairman of the senate committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, argued that “the purpose of the bill is apt and timely at this critical period in the history of Nigeria.”
“Mr. President, we disagree with the AGF because what he is saying is applicable when it has to do with the amendment of the constitution.
“This is just a bill that we are passing. We don’t need a resolution of the FEC or to hold any public hearings,” he added.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasised the anthem’s impact: “Upon rendition, it inspired deep patriotism among Nigerians. Those who lived through that era recognise its crucial role in our nation’s history, evoking nostalgia and fond memories of our early years.”
Another lawmaker who spoke in favour of the bill, Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra central, said an anthem is supposed to be motivational, adding that the current one is anything but emotive. “The old one we are seeking to bring back is one that evokes emotions,” Umeh said.
“A national anthem is supposed to be motivational. There is motivation in the old anthem.
“I think from what my colleagues have said, there is nothing in the current anthem that motivates our people. If we bring it back, our children will be more committed to the ideals of nationhood.”
Lyrics of what might soon become Nigeria’s new national anthem:
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’d,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to 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.
The senators say the second verse of the current national anthem may be referred to as “national prayer”.
