The National Anthem Bill 2024 was approved by the Senate with the intention of bringing back the traditional national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee.”
The choice was made when the measure was introduced on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, by Tahir Monguno, the chair of the judicial committee.
The attorney general of Nigeria, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), opposed the law, arguing that it was necessary and appropriate given the differences now existing in the nation. Monguno, however, emphasised the significance of the measure.
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A week or so before, a bill of a similar nature had also cleared the House of Representatives. Throughout discussions on the general concepts of the bill, the majority of legislators in both chambers backed it.
Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central emphasised the inspirational quality of the previous anthem while criticising the present one for having insufficient emotional resonance. Umeh contended that bringing back the traditional anthem will strengthen young Nigerians’ devotion to nationalistic ideas.
Umeh stated, “The old one we are seeking to bring back is one that evokes emotions.
“A national anthem is supposed to be motivational. There is motivation in the old anthem.
“I think from what my colleagues have said, there is nothing in the current anthem that motivates our people. If we bring it back, our children will be more committed to the ideals of nationhood.”
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After easily passing both its first and second readings on Thursday, the bill now needs Chief Bola Tinubu’s approval to become law.
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