A bill proposing that Nigeria revert to its old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” has successfully passed its second reading in the Senate. This bill, sponsored by the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has garnered significant support from the lawmakers.
The bill has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, which is expected to report back to the house within two weeks.
Senators argue that the old anthem represents a better symbol of unity, peace, and prosperity compared to the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” which has been in use since 1978. They assert that the current anthem is a remnant of the military junta era and should be replaced to better reflect Nigeria’s democratic values, integrity, and commitment to nationhood.
In a closed-door session to debate the bill, lawmakers emphasized the need for an anthem that embodies the nation’s democratic ideals. The Senate’s support follows the swift passage of a similar bill in the House of Representatives, where it was passed through first, second, and third readings within minutes.
