A Bill seeking to revert to the old Nigerian National Anthem has passed a second reading at the Senate, Premium Times report.
The bill seeks to replace the current National Anthem with the former one, which was adopted on Independence Day on 1 October 1960. The old Anthem was, however, dropped in 1978 by the then-military Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo.
The Bill to revert to the old Anthem was first read during the plenary on Thursday. It passed for first and second readings after most senators supported it when the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, put it to vote.
Akpabio, thereafter, referred the Bill to the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters and Internal Affairs for further legislative action. The Committees are to report back as soon as possible.
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was adopted as the country’s first National Anthem upon gaining independence from Britain in 1960.
Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate, wrote the anthem’s lyrics while Frances Berda composed the music.
Introducing the Bill to the Senate for debate, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele extolled the impact of the old anthem. He said the old anthem contributed immensely to the national identity and unity of Nigerians than the existing anthem.
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 a high sense of value and personal belonging amongst the citizenries.
“It was symbolic of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and nationhood. In retrospect, the anthem served as a regular and constant reminder of our journey as a nation. And provoked feelings of nostalgia and fond memories of the country’s early years,” he added.
The Senate Leader, therefore, urged his colleagues to support the replacement of the existing anthem with the old one.
Addressing the floor of the Senate, Bamidele said, “Mr. President, my dear Colleagues, at this momentous time in our national history, it is imperative that we utilize any platform that seeks to unite the country and promote patriotism amongst Nigerians.
“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. The rendition and musical accuracy of the anthem are better in content and context than the current one. On this note, permit me, at this juncture, to reproduce the anthem to serve as a reminder and reflection.
“The new anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” will inspire in us the zeal to build a fully integrated and indivisible nation. Whereby all citizens will live in unity and harmony,” Bamidele added.
After his presentation, his motion received overwhelming support from his colleagues.
Most the Senators who contributed to the debate supported it. They urged the Senate to consider public hearings on the issue before final passage.
The Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Jimoh Ibrahim (APC) argued that the old National Anthem portrayed brotherhood and unity more than the existing anthem.
“Who are the compatriots? If you say compatriot, what about those who are not compatriots. Are they not Nigerians? Ibrahim queried the existing anthem.
“The old anthem discussed brotherhood. If I know you are my brother, I will ensure you are safe,” he added.
Senator Ibrahim, therefore, urged the Senate to conduct a public hearing on the issue.
He said, “Let us conduct data and find out how many secondary school children can recite the National Anthem. I urge you to conduct a public hearing to hear the views of Nigerians. If we get the National Anthem right, we will get Nigeria right. And if we fail to do so…”
The Labour Party Senator, representing Anambra Central District, Victor Umeh also supported the bill.
According to him, “The old one which we are seeking to bring back is the one that has all the ingredients we need. In other words, we are planning Nigeria above all considerations.
“National Anthem is supposed to be motivational. The old National Anthem is motivational; it contains brotherhood slogans. When I was growing up, I looked at Nigeria as my symbol of life,” Umeh said.
The APC Senator representing Plateau Central District, Dyke Plang argued that for Nigeria to be united, its people must see themselves as brothers.
“Unity can only be acquired when there is brotherhood. For Nigerians to be united and be one, you will need a lowest common multiple. And that lowest common multiple is that we are brothers.
“The component of brotherhood in our national anthem is very important,” he added.
Other APC Senators who spoke in favour of the old anthem were Titus Zam (APC, Benue North) and Asuquo Ekpenyoung (APC, Cross River South).
Ekpeyong, however, urged the leadership of the Senate to engage Nigerians adequately before considering passage of the bill.
source: Premium Times
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