Senate Passes Bill To Revert To Old National Anthem

THE Senate has passed the National Anthem Bill 2024 to revert to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”.

The bill, which speedily passed first and second readings on Tuesday, now awaits assent into law by President Bola Tinubu. This follows the House of Representatives’ passage of the bill last Thursday.

Leading the debate in the lower chamber on the general principles of the bill, the sponsor of the proposed law, Julius Ihonvbere, anchored his argument on the need for patriotism and nationalism.

The 10th Senate passed the bill after reviewing a report by Tahir Monguno, the lawmaker representing Borno North Senatorial District and chairman of the Judiciary Committee.

When it becomes law, it will swap the national anthem from “Arise, O Compatriots” to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The old anthem, composed when Nigeria gained independence on 1 October 1960, will replace the current anthem.

The bill seeks to revive the anthem that was dropped in 1978 during Olusegun Obasanjo’s military administration.

Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria during its independence, penned the lyrics for “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” while Frances Berda composed the music. The anthem played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s.

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.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN),  in his contribution urged the National Assembly not to revert to the old national anthem through legislative fiat.

A legislative fiat refers to a directive or decision made by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, that is enacted quickly and authoritatively, often without the usual extensive consultation, debate, or input from stakeholders.

Mr Fagbemi’s stance came at a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, he emphasised that changes to the National Anthem should involve public consultation to ensure broad support.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, emphasised the significant impact of the anthem.

He stated, “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.”

The Senate commenced a public hearing on an Act concerning the National Anthem of Nigeria and related matters on Monday.

Bamidele, representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the hearing, stated that the second stanza of the current national anthem should serve as the national prayer.

He also noted that further consultations would be conducted if deemed necessary

Eighteen-Eleven Media