Nigeria Senate Debates Return to Nigeria We Hail Thee

In recent developments, the Nigerian Senate has engaged in debates concerning the potential return to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” This move comes after the House of Representatives passed a bill proposing the reversion to the old anthem, which was quickly passed through first, second, and third readings within minutes.

The bill, sponsored by the Senate Leader Bamidele Opeyemi, aims to replace the current national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” with the older version. This decision has sparked a variety of opinions among lawmakers. Those in favor argue that the old anthem is more in line with the vision of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration and will foster unity within the country.

During the debate, the Senate Leader emphasized the importance of the old anthem as a symbol of authority and national identity, stating that it does not deny the realities of the country. The former anthem was adopted at Nigeria’s independence in 1960 and remained in use until 1978, when it was replaced by the current anthem.

However, the move has not been without opposition. Some lawmakers, including the Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, have expressed concerns over the colonial connotations of the old anthem, arguing that the current anthem was adopted to address these issues. Chinda also questioned the necessity of changing the anthem amidst more pressing issues facing the nation.

The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for further review, with a report expected back to the Senate within two weeks. If the bill is passed by the Senate and receives presidential assent, it will mark a significant shift in the national identity of Nigeria, returning to a symbol of its past as it navigates its future.