The Nigerian Senate has passed the legislation to swap the national anthem from “Arise, O Compatriots” to“Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
The Bill, which speedily passed first and second readings on Thursday last week, now awaits assent into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The old anthem composed when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, was replaced with the current one in 1978.
The Bill sponsored by the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, (Ekiti Central) enjoys overwhelming support from the lawmakers.
The lawmakers, who unanimously supported the bill, argued that it would promote better symbol for unity, peace and prosperity, compared to the current one.
After a closed door session to debate on the Bill, the lawmakers asserted that the current national anthem is a product of the military junta, decreed by the military and therefore should be discarded to adequately capture the nations democratic values, integrity and principally foster commitment to nationhood.
Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria during its independence, penned 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.
Senator Bamidele emphasised the anthem’s impact: “Upon rendition, it inspired deep patriotism among Nigerians. Those who lived through that era recognise its crucial role in our nation’s history, evoking nostalgia and fond memories of our early years”.
House of Reps pass bill
The House of Representatives had on Thursday last week passed the Bill.
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.
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In his contribution, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, 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”.
Human Rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Mike Ozekhome, pointed out one of the lines from the previous anthem, which addresses the issue of oppression. He also corroborated with the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency that the change of the nation’s anthem was long overdue.
Mr. Ozekhome recalled how he mooted the idea of changing the anthem 10 years ago at the 2014 CONFAB through a motion and the 490 delegates debated it and supported it.
He also said that the present Nigerian flag of green white green is too bland and not inspirational compared to that of the US and South Africa.
For the return to the old anthem to take effective, the bill will have to be harmonised by the two chambers and get the President’s nod.
Here are the lyrics to the anthem ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’
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’d,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to 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.
Emmanuel Ukoh
