The Senate has passed the National Anthem Bill 2024 to revert to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”.
The decision of the senate was sequel to a bill by chair of the committee on judiciary, Tahir Monguno, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
The Borneo lawmaker disagreed with Nigeria’s attorney-general, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for more consideration before the national anthem is changed.
Monguno described the bill as important and timely considering how divided the country has become in recent times.
About a week ago, the House of Representatives passed a similar bill.
Most lawmakers in both chambers of the national assembly spoke in favour of the bill when they debated on its general principles.
While debating the bill last week, Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra central, said an anthem is supposed to be motivational, adding that the current one is anything but emotive.
“The old one we are seeking to bring back is one that evokes emotions,” Umeh said.
“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 speedily passed first and second readings on Thursday, now awaits assent into law by President Bola Tinubu.
