The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill to reinstate Nigeria’s old National Anthem. The bill, sponsored by Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, was approved despite opposition from some lawmakers. The bill was debated for a second reading and quickly moved through a third reading in a rowdy session.
Similarly, the Nigerian Senate held a closed session on Thursday to discuss changing the national anthem. Although the reasons for the proposed change have not been disclosed, the move has already attracted criticism from concerned Nigerians.
The old National Anthem was used from Nigeria’s independence in 1960 until 1978, when it was replaced by the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots.”
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.
