Forty Six Years After, Nigeria’s Old Anthem, Returns As House Of Reps Passes Bill

By Ayodele Oni

Those whose ages are below 46, may have to return to the drawing board to learn the old Nigeria’s National Anthem. The House of Representatives has just resolved to bring back the old Anthem.

The House on Thursday  passed a bill to revert to the old National Anthem – “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”.

The bill was quickly passed through first second and third readings within minutes.

The lead debate for a return to the old Anthem by the House Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, pointed to the need for Nigerians to see the Anthem as a National symbol and sign of authority, one which does not deny the realities.

The old anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was replaced with the current one “Arise, O Compatriots” in 1978.

The Minority Leader, kingsley Chinda, however, opposed the bill, saying the old anthem has a colonial tag which was the reason for the new anthem.

He highlighted that the old anthem was authored and composed by Britons. Honourable Chinda questioned the importance of the anthem change at a time of more important challenges in the country.

However, the bill was given expedited passage and subsequently passed by the lawmakers.