The House of Representatives has passed a bill to revert to the old national anthem.
News About Nigeria reports that the bill, sponsored by the Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, was taken through the first, second, and third reading on Thursday amid opposition from some lawmakers.
The old national anthem was written by Lillian Jean Williams and composed by Frances Berda. It was sung between 1960 and 1978.
The current national anthem, adopted in 1978 during the military regime of Olusegun Obasanjo, was written by five winners of a competition and composed by Benedict Odiase.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, the sponsor of the proposed law, Julius Ihonvbere, anchored his argument on the need for patriotism and nationalism.
He said it is important of reverting to the old national anthem, which he believes embodies the true spirit of Nigerian unity and brotherhood.
However, not all lawmakers were in support of the bill.
Chinda, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, noted that the old national anthem was a colonial heritage that should not be considered in a post-independent Nigeria. His argument was supported by the member representing Jere Federal Constituency, Borno State, Mr. Ahmad Satomi.
On the other hand, Ahmed Jaha, another Borno lawmaker, supported the bill, arguing that the wordings in the new anthem are verbal expressions that have no substance in the affairs of the Nigerian State.
The lyrics of the old anthem read:
“Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribe and tongue may differ
In brotherhood we stand
Nigerians all and proud to serve
Our sovereign motherland
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign
In peace or battle honour
And this we count as gain
To pass unto our children
A banner without stain
O God of all creation
Grant this our one request
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.”
The current national anthem reads:
“Arise, O Compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our Fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain,
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom,
Peace and unity.
Oh God of all creation,
Direct our noble cause
Guide our leaders right
Help our youth the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace
And justice shall reign.”
