Reps pass bill to revert to old national anthem

.As Senate passes bill for 2nd reading

Members of the House of Representatives have passed a bill to revert to the old national anthem.

The bill, sponsored by the Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, was taken through the first, second, and third reading, yesterday, amid opposition from some lawmakers.

The lyrics of the old National Anthem was written by Lillian Jean Williams, composed by Frances Berda, and sung between 1960 and 1978.

The current national anthem was adopted in 1978 during the military regime of Olusegun Obasanjo.

It was written by John Ikechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, Babatunde Ogunnaike, Sotu Omoigui and P. O. Aderogbu, five winners of a competition, and composed by Benedict Odiase.
The Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, however, opposed the bill, saying the old anthem had a colonial tag, which was the reason for the new anthem.

He noted that the old anthem was authored and composed by Britons and questioned the importance of the anthem change at a time of more important challenges in the country.

However, the bill was given expedited passage and subsequently passed by the lawmakers.

At the Senate, the same bill was forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu seeking for re-introduction of the old National Anthem, which starts with the popular phrase: “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.’

It received accelerated consideration as it scaled the second reading.

The upper chamber passed it for a second reading during plenary, yesterday.

After the first reading, the Leader of the Senate, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central), made a lead debate on it for the second reading.

The Senate Leader in the lead debate on the bill said it sought to make provision for Nigeria to revert to its old national anthem that would promote a better symbol for unity, peace, and prosperity, compared to the current one.

“The old anthem, if reintroduced, will inspire in us the zeal to build a fully integrated and indivisible nation, whereby all citizens will live in unity and harmony,” he said.

He argued that the old national anthem was more patriotism and nationalism-driven.

He said: “The anthem, upon rendition, inspired and stimulated a deep sense of patriotism in Nigerians. You will also agree with me that those who were around in the 60s and the late 70s, would attest to the fact that the anthem played quite a significant and crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity, as well as engendered high sense of value and personal belonging amongst the citizenry.

“It was symbolic of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and nationhood. In retrospect, the anthem served as regular and constant reminder of our journey as a nation and provoked feelings of nostalgia and fond memories of the country’s early years.

“Accordingly, the old national anthem, as a symbol of national pride, has provided insights for patriotic reflections on our aspirations, values and hope for a united and prosperous Nigeria.”

All the senators, who contributed to the debate, supported the bill and called for its expeditious consideration and passage.