ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Senate has advanced a bill proposing Nigeria’s return to its old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” following a successful second reading. The bill, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, has garnered overwhelming support from lawmakers.
The proposal has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, which is expected to report back to the house in two weeks. Senators, united in their support, argued that the old anthem would serve as a better symbol for unity, peace, and prosperity compared to the current one.
During a closed-door session to debate the bill, lawmakers contended that the current national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” instituted in 1978 by the military regime, fails to capture the nation’s democratic values and integrity. They emphasized the need for an anthem that adequately reflects Nigeria’s commitment to nationhood and democratic principles.
The move to revert to the old anthem is seen by many senators as a step toward fostering a deeper sense of national pride and cohesion. The old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was replaced in 1978, a change driven by the military junta of the time.
In a parallel development, the House of Representatives has swiftly passed the bill to revert to the old national anthem. The bill moved through the first, second, and third readings in rapid succession, indicating strong bipartisan support for the initiative.
This legislative push reflects a broader sentiment among lawmakers that a return to the old anthem could inspire a renewed sense of unity and patriotism among Nigerians.