The Senate has passed the National Anthem Bill 2024, which aims to restore the old national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”.
The decision followed the presentation of the bill by Senate Tahir Monguno, the chair of the committee on judiciary, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
Despite opposition from Nigeria’s attorney-general, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who called for more consideration before changing the national anthem, Monguno emphasized the importance and timeliness of the bill in light of the country’s current divisions.
Approximately a week earlier, the House of Representatives had also passed a similar bill. The majority of lawmakers in both chambers supported the bill during debates on its general principles.
Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central highlighted the motivational nature of the old anthem, contrasting it with the current one, which he described as lacking in emotional appeal. Umeh argued that reinstating the old anthem would enhance the commitment of young Nigerians to the ideals of nationhood.
Umeh stated, “The old one we are seeking to bring back is one that evokes emotions.
“A national anthem is supposed to be motivational. There is motivation in the old anthem.
“I think from what my colleagues have said, there is nothing in the current anthem that motivates our people. If we bring it back, our children will be more committed to the ideals of nationhood.”
The bill, which swiftly passed its first and second readings on Thursday, now awaits the assent of Chief Bola Tinubu to become law. #senate
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