By Uzair Adam Imam
The House of Representatives has passed a bill to revert to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, in a swift move that saw the bill pass through first, second, and third reading within minutes.
House Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, led the debate, arguing that the old anthem is a national symbol and sign of authority that acknowledges the country’s realities.
He stated the need for Nigerians to embrace the anthem as a unifying force.
However, Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, opposed the bill, citing the colonial origins of the old anthem, which was authored and composed by Britons.
He questioned the timing of the bill, given the more pressing challenges facing the country.
Despite Chinda’s objections, the bill received expedited passage and was subsequently passed by the lawmakers.
The move marks a significant change, as the old anthem was replaced with the current one, “Arise, O Compatriots”, in 1978.