Senate passes bill to return old national anthem

A week after the House of Representatives passed a bill to dump the current national anthem for the old one, the Senate on Tuesday, similarly passed the bill.

With the passage, the bill now awaits the assent of President Bola Tinubu to become a law.

The old anthem, ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ composed when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, was replaced with the ‘Arise O’ Compatriots’ version in 1978.

The bill sponsored by the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, (Ekiti Central), enjoyed overwhelming support from the lawmakers at the Tuesday plenary.

The lawmakers, in supporting the bill, argued that it would promote better symbol for unity, peace and prosperity, compared to the current one.

Emerging from a close-door session to debate on the bill, the senators noted that the current national anthem was a product of the military junta, decreed by the military and should, therefore, give way to the independence anthem, which captures national values, ethics and norms.

Lillian Jean Williams, a British citizen, who lived in Nigeria prior to independence, wrote the lyrics for “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” while Frances Berda composed the music.

The anthem played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s.

“Upon rendition, the old anthem inspired deep patriotism among Nigerians. Those who lived through that era recognised its crucial role in our nation’s history, evoking nostalgia and fond memories of our early years,” Bamidele said.

On Monday, the Senate began a public hearing on an Act to provide for the National Anthem of Nigeria and related matters.

Senator Bamidele, who represented the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio at the hearing, said the second stanza of the existing national anthem shall be the national prayer.

In his contribution, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the amendment should not come only by legislative fiat, but should be subjected to a wider consultation.

“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.”