The House of Representatives has passed a bill to adopt the old National Anthem despite opposition from some lawmakers.
The bill sponsored by the Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, was debated for a second reading and rushed through a third reading amid opposition from some lawmakers.
Leading the debate on the bill, Mr Ihonvbere said the content of the old anthem is far better than the current one.
Speaking against the bill, the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda said the anthem should not be a thing of priority to Nigerians.
While opposing the bill, Mr Chinda said the old anthem was composed by colonialists and adopting it would mean going back.
“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,” he said.
Following the debate, the bill was put to vote by Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu who presided over the session, however, the “nay” voices appeared louder, yet the presiding officer called the vote in favour of “ayes”.
This ruling generated complaints from lawmakers, however, the Deputy Speaker insisted on the ruling.
With loud voices from the opposition, the Deputy Speaker rushed the motion through.
Here is the lyrics of the old 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.
