Approval as Senate passes bill seeking return to old national anthem
The Senate has approved the National Anthem Bill 2024.
This bill, PUNCH Online earlier reported, seeks to reinstate the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
A final assent to the passage of the bill will bring about a shift from the now-recognised, “Arise O Compatriots.”
The bill rapidly cleared both its first and second readings and now awaits President Bola Tinubu’s signature to become law.
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, PUNCH Online earlier reported.
The 10th Senate passed the bill after reviewing a report by Tahir Monguno, the lawmaker representing Borno North Senatorial District and chair of the Judiciary Committee.
“This proposed bill is important,” Monguno stated.
Thereafter, the Senate reviewed the bill’s clauses and approved it.
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.
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.
But many Nigerians on social media questioned the relevance of the move, wondering if it would help salvage the nation’s economy, being Nigeria’s biggest challenge at the moment.
Similarly, Ahmad Satomi, a lawmaker representing Jere Federal Constituency, Borno State, challenged the Green Chamber last week regarding the bill.
Satomi questioned the bill’s relevance to Nigeria’s pressing issues, sparking widespread discussion and debate.
