Fagbemi also said any attempt to replace the current national anthem should be subjected to a wider process of citizen participation
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has urged the National Assembly to ensure Nigerians participate directly in the proposed change of the “National Anthem“, saying any amendment without their contributions will amount to imposition.
He made this known on Monday in Abuja during a public hearing on a bill seeking to return the October 1, 1960 national anthem in the country.
According to him, changing the national anthem should not be by legislative fiat or presidential proclamation but a true reflection of the wishes of the majority the people.
He went on to say any attempt to replace the existing anthem should be subjected to a wider process of citizen participation.
He further advised that the bill should go through zonal public hearings, resolutions of the Federal Executive Council, Council of State, National and State Assemblies among others.
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Speaking at the hearing, Fagbemi said, “A national anthem is expected to enjoy universal acceptance and veneration amongst the citizens, for it to attain the status of an official song that commands respect, patriotism and national consciousness.
“In some cases, national anthem emerges from open national competition among interested citizens. In other instances, the proposed national anthem is subjected to plebiscite or referendum, before its eventual adoption or declaration.
“The essence of the foregoing is to secure the buy-in and confidence of the people and to ensure that the anthem meets their collective aspirations and suits their contemporary socio-political conditions.
“Against the background of the foregoing, I am of the considered opinion that the revered issue of choice of a national item should not come into being only by legislative fiat, or presidential proclamation alone.
“It is not out of place for Nigeria to be guided by the process of evolution of a national anthem in other jurisdictions. For most African countries, the national anthem symbolises the end of colonialism. Hence, former British colonies jettisoned ‘God Bless the Queen’ to adopt their home-made national anthems, which were all notably written by their own citizens.”
Nigerians will recall that the House of Representatives and the Senate accelerated the passage of the bill seeking the change of the national anthem last week.
The move was, however, greeted by criticisms from civil society organisations (CSOs), university dons and other Nigerians.
