A bill proposing that Nigeria revert to its old national anthem has passed second reading in the Senate.
The bill supported by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has received overwhelming support from lawmakers.
It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, which will report back to the House in two weeks.
The lawmakers appeared to be unified in their support for the bill, arguing that it would create a greater symbol of unity, peace, and prosperity than the current one.
Following a closed-door debate on the bill, lawmakers agreed that the current national anthem is a product of the military junta, decreed by the military, and thus should be replaced to adequately capture the nation’s democratic values, integrity, and, most importantly, foster commitment to nationhood.
The old song “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was replaced with the present one “Arise, O Compatriots” in 1978.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has enacted legislation to reinstate the former national song “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”.
The bill went through the lower chamber’s first, second, and third readings in minutes.
