A bill seeking the adoption of the old Nigerian National Anthem has been passed in the House of Representatives.
The bill which was sponsored by the Majority Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere scaled both the second and third reading in a plenary session precided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu on Thursday.
Leading the debate on the bill, the Majority Leader pointed out that the old national anthem was more appropriate for Nigeria as it recognised the diversity of the people of Nigeria.
However, the Minority leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda opposed the bill noting that adopting the bill will amount to going back to Nigeria’s colonial past as it was written by colonialists.
According to Chinda, “For every law, there must be a spirit to it. If we are asked what is the essence of this law, I would talk about history.
“What does this old national anthem represent? This history dates back to colonialism. We dropped it because we wanted an Anthem to remove us from colonialism. The old anthem was composed by foreigners.”
However, despite the opposition of the minority leader, majority of the lawmakers voted in favour of the bill as the äyes” had it as was ruled by the Deputy Speaker.
Below is the old Nigerian National Anthem:
Nigeria we hail thee
Our own dear native land
Though tribes and tongue may differ
In brotherhood we stand
Nigerians all, are 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.