The House of Representatives has passed a bill to adopt the old National Anthem.
It was the Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere who sponsored the bill that was later passed by majority despite opposition from some lawmakers on the floor of the chamber.
It was debated for a second reading and rushed through a third reading amid a rowdy session.
In the same vein, the Nigerian Senate held an executive/closed session on Thursday to deliberate on changing the national anthem.
The reason for the move has not been made public, but the change is already attracting criticism from concerned Nigerians on social media.
It would be recalled that the anthem was used from independence in 1960 until 1978 when the present anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” was adopted in 1978.
See 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.