The House of Representatives on Thursday passed for a second reading a bill aimed at reinstating Nigeria’s old national anthem.
The proposed legislation, led by Julius Ihonvbere, seeks to rekindle a sense of patriotism and nationalism among Nigerians by reverting to the original anthem, which he believes better reflects the country’s heritage and values.
During the debate, Ihonvbere emphasized the importance of the old anthem in unifying the nation and instilling a deep sense of national pride. He argued that the anthem, written in the years following Nigeria’s independence, carries a historical significance that resonates with the true spirit of the nation’s early struggles and triumphs.
However, this view was met with opposition. Chinda, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, criticized the move, labeling the old anthem as a remnant of colonial rule. He argued that adopting it again would be a step backward for a post-independent Nigeria striving to establish its own identity free from colonial influence.
Despite Chinda’s objections, the bill found support from other members. Mr. Ahmad Satomi, representing Jere Federal Constituency in Borno State, backed Ihonvbere’s position. He contended that the values embodied in the old anthem could help in fostering a greater sense of unity and patriotism.
Additionally, Ahmed Jaha, another lawmaker from Borno, supported the bill by criticizing the current anthem. He claimed that its wording lacks depth and fails to adequately inspire or reflect the nation’s true state of affairs.