A bill seeking to revert Nigeria to its old national anthem has successfully passed its second reading in the Senate.
Sponsored by the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, the bill has garnered overwhelming support from the lawmakers. Following its second reading, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, which is expected to report back to the house in two weeks.
Lawmakers appeared unanimous in their support, arguing that the old anthem would “promote a better symbol for unity, peace, and prosperity” compared to the current one. In a closed-door session, they debated the bill and asserted that the current national anthem, being a product of the military junta and decreed by the military, should be discarded to better reflect the nation’s democratic values, integrity, and foster a stronger commitment to nationhood.
The old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was replaced by the current one, “Arise, O Compatriots,” in 1978.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has also passed the bill to revert to the old national anthem. The bill swiftly moved through its first, second, and third readings in the lower chamber within minutes.
