The House of Representatives has passed a bill to revert to the former national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”.
The bill swiftly passed through the first, second, and third readings within minutes.
The lead debate for the return to the old anthem was presented by the House Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, who emphasised the need for Nigerians to regard the anthem as a national symbol and sign of authority, one that acknowledges the nation's realities.
The old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, was replaced by the current one, “Arise, O Compatriots”, in 1978.
The Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, opposed the bill, arguing that the old anthem carries a colonial association, which was the rationale for introducing the new anthem.
He noted that the former anthem was written and composed by Britons and questioned the relevance of changing the anthem amid the country's more pressing challenges.
Despite this opposition, the bill received expedited passage and was subsequently approved by the lawmakers.
