Bill to revert to old national anthem passed at House of Reps
By Jeffrey Agbo
The House of Representatives has passed a bill requiring a return to the old national anthem.
The old anthem begins with the line “Nigeria, we hail thee” while the one in use starts with the words “Arise O compatriots”. The old anthem was replaced in 1978.
The bill sponsored by the leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbare, was presented for a second reading on Thursday, considered at the committee of the whole, approved and read for the third time.
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The lawmakers, who appeared unanimous in support of the bill, argued that it would promote better symbol for unity, peace and prosperity, compared to the current one.
The lawmakers asserted that the current national anthem is a product of the military junta, decreed by the military and therefore should be discarded to adequately capture the nations democratic values, integrity and principally foster commitment to nationhood.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to report back to the House in two weeks.
If it gets support at the Senate it will then be passed to the president for assent.