The Nigerian Senate is considering a bill to reinstate the 1960 national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee," which could pass its first and second readings today. This proposal has sparked debate among Senators and the public, with many criticizing the move amid the country’s pressing economic challenges.
On Thursday, the Nigerian Senate convened a closed executive meeting to discuss a bill proposing the reinstatement of the country’s first national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee," which was adopted on October 1, 1960, and replaced in 1978. Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed legislators to reconvene in a plenary session the same day, aiming to pass the bill through its first and second readings.
Senate President Akpabio also announced that a public hearing on the matter would be held at the Senate building, inviting interested Nigerians to contribute their views. "The Senate President just ruled that we should go back to the plenary to pass the bill – 1st and 2nd reading today, thereafter, any Nigerian who is interested can come to the Senate building for a public hearing," a Senate source confirmed.
The push to return to the old anthem has sparked significant debate. Senator Danjuma Goje and Senator Adams Oshiomhole advocated for a public hearing before any amendments to the national anthem, emphasizing the need for broader consultation. Despite their calls for a more measured approach, the Senate leadership aimed for an expedited process, intending for the bill to pass both readings on the same day.
During the executive session, Senator Yahaya Abubakar from Kebbi, a former Senate Majority Leader, suggested nationwide consultations, arguing that altering the anthem amid economic hardship might be seen as a diversion from pressing issues. He voiced concerns that the move could detract from addressing more critical challenges such as unemployment, bad roads, and insecurity.
The announcement has elicited strong reactions from Nigerians. Many criticized the Senate for prioritizing the national anthem change over more urgent national issues. Social media reactions ranged from calling the lawmakers "useless" to questioning how the anthem change would impact the price of essential commodities or improve the country's dire economic conditions.
One commentator expressed disbelief, saying, "With all the problems this country is facing, this is what you people sit there and do. I'm sorry for this country." Another user highlighted the futility of the change, stating, "How will the national anthem help with anything in today's Nigeria?"
