Senate Backs Tinubu’s Proposal To Reintroduce Old National Anthem

The Senate, on Thursday, expressed full support to President Bola Tinubu’s legislative proposal to reintroduce the country’s old National Anthem, which was changed in 1978 by the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Accordingly, the Red Chamber passed for second reading, the Bill for an Act to Provide for the National Anthem of Nigeria and for Related Matters 2024, sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District.

The Senate passed the proposal for a second reading following the presentation and consideration of the motion by the sponsor. Presenting the legislative proposal,

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Senator Bamidele said that the wording of the legislation conveyed and epitomised the significant historical heritage of Nigeria.

He pointed out that the old Anthem upon rendition, inspired and stimulated a deep sense of patriotism in Nigerians, informing his colleagues that the bill was read for the first time earlier today, Thursday, 23rd May 2024.

Part of the lead debate reads: “You are all aware that Nigeria at its Independence in 1960 adopted the National Anthem, titled “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” The concept phraseology and the ideological connotation of this Anthem conveyed and epitomised the significant historical heritage of our dear country, Nigeria. The Bill was read for the first time earlier today Thursday, 23rd May, 2024.

“The Anthem, upon rendition, inspired and stimulated a deep sense of patriotism in Nigerians. You will also agree with me that those who were around in the ’60s and the late ’70s would attest to the fact that the Anthem played quite a significant and crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity, as well as engendered a high sense of value and personal belonging amongst the citizenry.

“It was symbolic of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and nationhood. In retrospect, the Anthem served as a regular and constant reminder of our journey, as a nation and provoked feelings of nostalgia and fond memories of the country’s early years.”

Continuing he said, “Mr President, my dear colleagues, at this momentous time in our national history, it is imperative that we utilise any platform that seeks to unite the country and promote patriotism amongst Nigerians.

“Accordingly, the old National Anthem, as a symbol of national pride, has provided insights for patriotic reflections on our aspirations, values and hope for a united and prosperous Nigeria.

“The rendition and musical accuracy of the Anthem is better in content and context than the current one. On this note, permit me at this juncture, to reproduce the Anthem to serve as a reminder and reflection:

“Nigeria, We Hail Thee
Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land,
Though travelling 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’d,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain,

“O God of 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.”

Bamidele said that the bill sought to make provision for Nigeria to revert to its old National Anthem that would promote better symbol for unity, peace and prosperity – compared to the current one. The new Anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” will inspire in us the zeal to build a fully integrated and indivisible nation, whereby all citizens will live in unity and harmony.

“I implore you all, my Distinguished Colleagues, to support the expeditious passage of this Bill, as it is in line with the RENEWED Reorientation of our collective values and national conscientization efforts of the current administration.”

Based on the yearning desires of Senators to replace the current National Anthem with the old National Anthem, most of the Lawmakers at the plenary spoke in favour of the reintroduction, saying that the old National Anthem speaks to the configuration of the Nigeria nation.

Supporting the motion, Senators Victor Umeh, Tahir Monguno, Okey Ezea, Emmanuel Udende, Jimoh Ibrahim, and Aliyu Wadata, among others, all favoured the passage of the bill for a second reading, saying that it was reflective of the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians.

They also noted that the old Anthem has the potency to foster love and national unity, as against the instant National Assembly, which they all agreed was a product of the military junta.

In his remarks, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, commended the presidency for coming up with the idea of reintroducing the old National Anthem into the national psyche.

Therefore, he referred the bill, after it passed Second Reading, to the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs.