Nigerians react as N’Assembly reverts to old national anthem
By Adejoke Esther
Reactions have greeted the new act returning the country to recite the old National Anthem. The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill seeking to return Nigeria back to reciting the old National Anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” which was adopted as the country’s first national anthem upon gaining independence from Britain in 1960 and discard the present one, ‘Arise O’ Compatriots.’
The proposal to change the national anthem had emerged from a growing sentiment among the populace that the current anthem no longer resonated with the diverse and evolving identity of the country.
Under the sponsorship of the leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, during plenary in Abuja on Thursday.
Leading the debate on the general principle of the bill, the lawmaker said that the current national anthem was not helping.
He added that there was a need to go back to the old national anthem, whose wordings were more patriotic.
Mr Ihonvbere said, “Going back to memory lane to a time in history when things were done in a proper manner, the old national anthem helped Nigerians to be more patriotic. The bill will bring us together, and give us hope and courage, a sense of duty to the nation. That does not necessarily deny the reality and that is the maintenance of contemporary societies.”
The proposal has struck several reactions. A Social commentator and lawyer Inibehe Effiong said on X (formerly Twitter) noted, “Changing the National Anthem of Nigeria will not change the national culture of corruption and disregard for democratic principles. It will not cure the entrenched injustice in our country, and will certainly not restore the rule of law.
“Parliament should go beyond cosmetic legislative interventions and address the real issues besetting our country. Patriotism will not be birthed by the beautiful words of the national anthem.”
Another X (formerly Twitter) user said: “I had already asked, are they sure they are ready to uphold ‘Truth and Justice?’”
“This one may attract a more dangerous rebuke if not transparently supported. One proposal suggests, They should also scrap the current fraudulent constitution and return Nigeria to the regional system of government. The system we’re operating now is the reason for the weak state of the nation and also the reason for the unrest and unhealthy economic situation in the country. Return Nigeria to the regional system of government with the 1960 constitution.”
The discourse surrounding the national anthem and governance reforms reflects a larger struggle within Nigeria to find solutions that not only address symbolic aspects of national identity but also tackle the substantive issues affecting the country’s progress and stability.
