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The Senate has moved a step closer to bringing back Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” which was replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots” in 1978 after a bill seeking the change scaled through second reading at the Senate.
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The bill, sponsored by the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele,, successfully passed its second reading with overwhelming support.
The bill has been forwarded to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, which is expected to report back to the Senate in two weeks.
Lawmakers supporting the bill argued that the old anthem promotes unity, peace, and prosperity more effectively than the current one.
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They also noted that the current anthem, introduced during a military regime, does not fully reflect Nigeria’s democratic values and commitment to nationhood.
In a closed-door session, senators emphasized the need for a national symbol that better aligns with Nigeria’s democratic principles and fosters national integrity.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has also passed the bill to revert to the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The bill swiftly moved through its first, second, and third readings in the lower chamber within minutes.
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