Tag: National Anthem

Why Nigeria should return to old National Anthem – Mike Ozekhome

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Mike Ozekhome has supported the call to replace the current” Arise O Compatriots ” National Anthem with the ” Nigeria , We Hail Thee” , the country started with , in October 1960.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Chief Ozekhome to have said Nigeria should return to the old National Anthem at a public hearing by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters in Abuja on Monday.

The public hearing by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters was on a bill seeking to revert the nation to the use of the old National Anthem, titled “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”.

Ozekhome said such a move was long overdue since the National Anthem adopted in 1978 does not have the required gravitas and not inspirational to fire the passion and zeal for nationhood among Nigerians.

Ozekhome expressed delight that the motion to return to the old National Anthem which he moved at the 2014 National Conference, was becoming a reality after a decade.

Speaking at the public hearing, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Malam Mohammed Idris recommended that the scope of the bill should be expanded to include a robust issue on national identity rather than limiting it to change of national anthem.

Idris, represented by the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu, said that some lines in the old national anthem had no complete meaning.

“The issue of national anthem is just a sub-sect. What we should be looking at is the National Identity Act,” Idris said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Muhammad Monguno said the National Assembly (NASS) had gone on with its plans to pass the bill.

“The Bill has passed first and second reading at the Senate and the Public Hearing was advertised. Those who are not here have probably agreed with intendment of the proposed legislation,” he said.

May 28, 2024
Justice Minister advises NASS on National Anthem bill

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has urged the National Assembly to consult widely before passing the bill seeking the return of the old National Anthem.

The Minister said this on Monday, at a public hearing by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters in Abuja.

Fagbemi urged the two chambers of the National Assembly to allow inputs from Nigerians before passing taking a decision on the bill.

“Against the background of the foregoing, I am of the considered opinion that the revered issue of choice of a national anthem should not come into being only by legislative fiat, or presidential proclamation alone.

“It is not out of place for Nigeria to be guided by the process of evolution of a national anthem in other jurisdictions.

“Consequently, it is my considered view that the decision to change Nigeria’s National Anthem whether by replacing it with the old one or a new one, should be subjected to a wider process of citizen.

“There should be participation through zonal public hearings, resolutions of the Federal Executive Council, Council of State, National and State Assemblies, etcetera,” he said.

He said that for most African countries, the national anthem symbolised the end of colonialism, hence, former British colonies jettisoned God Bless the Queen to adopt their home-made national anthems which were all written by their own citizens.

“I appreciate the opportunity extended to me to make observations on the very salient issue of reversion of national anthem to the previous one which was adopted in 1960, following independence from the United Kingdom.

“I would like to observe that it is generally accepted that a national anthem is considered a major symbol of national identity and culture,” he said.

Fagbemi said that a national anthem was meant to reflect the people’s hopes, values and history.

“A national anthem is expected to enjoy universal acceptance and veneration among the citizens for it to attain the status of an official song that commands respect, patriotism and national consciousness,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Muhammad Monguno said the National Assembly (NASS) had gone on with its plans to pass the bill.

“The Bill has passed first and second reading at the Senate and the Public Hearing was advertised. Those who are not here have probably agreed with intendment of the proposed legislation,” he said.

May 28, 2024
ZLP lauds NASS on old National Anthem

The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has commended the National Assembly for passing the bill seeking to revert Nigeria to the old National Anthem.

The National Chairman, ZLP, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu said this when he spoke with newsmen on Monday in Abuja, calling on President Bola Tinubu to sign the bill into law.

Nwanyanwu, also the 2023 presidential candidate of the ZLP, said that the move was a right step in the right direction.

“The 1960 National Anthem touches on the very core of our diversity and religious complexities.

“I congratulate the National Assembly for passing the bill to repeal the current National Anthem and revert to the original National Anthem which commenced with the independence of Nigeria on Oct. 1, 1960.

“I feel vindicated by this noble act of the 10th National Assembly which was in complete consonance with my presidential manifesto for the 2023 presidential election where I vigorously canvassed for the return to Nigeria’s original National Anthem.

“What the National Assembly has done, has not only proved that it is sensitive to the yeaning’s of the people but it is also abundantly clear that there was no justifiable reason to have tampered with the 1960 National Anthem of Nigeria to the extent of replacing it with the current anthem,” he said.

Nwanyanwu said that the current national anthem does not reflect Nigeria’s diversity and yearning for unity as captured by the old anthem.

“Many countries have retained their National Anthem for several centuries as long as they existed as a nation,’’ he said.

He said that the National Anthem of a country was so symbolic saying that it was strange to see the military, repealed Nigeria’s cherished National Anthem by a fiat without consultation.

Nwanyanwu said that the old National Anthem evoked emotions and called for a united Nigeria where equity justice reigned supreme with no citizen oppressed or any section being preponderant over others with clear equality of citizens.

“Nigeria we hail thee, our own dear native land, though tribe and tongue may defer, In brotherhood we stand Nigerians all, and proud to serve our own sovereign motherland.

“This touches the very core of our diversity, and religious complexities; these are the reasons I gave when I canvassed for the reverting to the original National Anthem.

“I join all well-meaning Nigerians in commending the National Assembly and its leadership for their courage and patriotism in this regard.

“I urge Mr. President to waste no time assenting to this bill without delay and history will record the enactment of this landmark Act to his credit,” he said.

May 27, 2024
CARTOON OF THE DAY: Why I like the old national anthem

May 27, 2024
See lyrics of the old National Anthem – ‘Nigeria we hail thee’

In their bids for the country to re-adopt the old National Anthem, The House of Reps passed a bill that was initially sponsored by Majority leader, Julius Ihonvbere.

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.

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.

May 23, 2024
Bill for old National Anthem passes 2nd reading in Senate

A bill to revert to Nigeria’s old National Anthem, on Thursday, passed second reading in the Senate.

This followed the presentation of the lead debate on the general principles of the bill by the sponsor, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele during plenary.

The bill titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the National Anthem of Nigeria, and for matters related thereto, 2024” which was read for the first time on Thursday was given accelerated hearing.

Presenting the bill, Opeyemi said that the bill sought to make provisions for Nigeria to revert to its old national anthem that would promote better symbol for unity, peace and prosperity- compared to the current one.

He recalled that Nigeria had at independence in 1960, adopted the national anthem titled “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”.

“The concept, phraseology and the ideological connotation of the anthem, conveyed and epitomised the significant historic heritage of our dear country, Nigeria.

“The anthem upon rendition inspired and stimulated deep sense of patriotism in Nigerians. It was symbolic of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and nationhood.

“In retrospect, the national anthem served as regular and constant reminder of our journey as a nation and provoked feelings of nostalgia and fond memories of the country’s early years”, he said.

Opeyemi noted that at this momentous time in the nation’s history, “it is imperative that we utilise any platform that seeks to unite the country and promote patriotism among Nigerians.

“Accordingly, the old National Anthem, as a symbol of national pride, has provided insights for patriotic reflections on our aspirations, values and hope for a united and prosperous Nigeria.

“The rendition and musical accuracy of the anthem, is better in content and context than the current one.”

“The new Anthem “Nigeria We Hail Thee” will inspire in us the zeal to build a fully integrated and indivisible nation, whereby all citizens will live in unity and harmony.

“I implore you all my distinguished colleagues, to support the expeditious passage of this bill.

“It is in line with the renewed reorientation of our collective values and national conscientisation efforts of the current administration.”

Supporting the bill, Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim (APC-Ondo) queried the current anthem saying that the “language” of the anthem was “elusive”.

Quoting one of the stanza of the anthem which is “Arise oh compatriot”, Ibrahim said “what about non compatriots. How do we convert them to become compatriots.

“That is why I said this language is elusive. And it’s not good for any reason. The old anthem, Nigeria we hail thee, comes to the mind of Nigerians.

“We must thrive as a nation, as a Senate to rise above elusiveness of language. This current national anthem has not solved any problem.

“The only way to help our nation to grow is not to add to the complexity of argument around our nation”.

For Sen. Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra), the old national anthem which we are seeking to bring back, is the national anthem that needs all the ingredients of a nation.

“The citizens should be able to look up to the nation, Nigeria as their own country. That is why the opening says “Nigeria we hail thee. In other words, we are placing Nigeria above all considerations as citizens of the country.”

He said that a national anthem was supposed to be motivational noting that the words contained in the old national anthem were motivational.

“Aside from putting to bear our history, our composition as a people, It emphasises brotherhood”, Umeh said.

Similarly, Sen. Diket Plang (APC-Plateau) said that unity could be acquired when there was brotherhood, and when there was brotherhood, there would be unity.

“We have diversity. By the end of the day, we are binded by the fact that we are brothers. The reintroduction of brotherhood in our national anthem is very fundamental”, he said.

In his remarks, President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio committed the bill to the Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs to report back to the Senate as soon as possible.

May 23, 2024
Why Nigeria stopped using “Nigeria We Hail Thee” as national anthem

The Nigerian House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill for an act to revert the country to the old national anthem, known as Nigeria We Hail Thee.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the bill, sponsored by Leader of the House, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, speedily passed first, second and third readings, amidst agitation by opposing lawmakers, who staged a walk out during the passage of the bill.

Despite the agitations, the bill was passed and subsequently sent to the Senate for concurrence.

Nigeria, We Hail Thee is the former national anthem of Nigeria, used from independence in 1960 until 1978. The anthem was adopted as Nigeria’s first national anthem on October 1, 1960.

The anthem’s lyrics were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria when the country achieved independence. Frances Berda composed the music for Nigeria, We Hail Thee.

However, following criticisms, Nigeria, We Hail Thee was changed as Nigerian national anthem in 1978 during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo.

In addition to the criticisms, the anthem was changed as part of a broader effort to foster national unity and a sense of patriotism in the country.

Subsequently, a national competition was held with a committee set up to pick a new national anthem.

Nigeria’s present anthem, Arise, O Compatriots, was adopted in 1978, replacing Nigeria, We Hail Thee.

The current anthem was selected from the lyrics of 5 winning entries and fused into one. The entries were from P. O. Aderogbu, Babatunde Ogunnaike, John Ikechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan and Sotu Omoigwi.

The Director of Music in the Nigeria Police band, Benedict Odiase selected the lyrics, fused and composed it to what we have as the current Nigeria’s national anthem.

The new anthem was intended to reflect the values and aspirations of the Nigerian people at that time.

The previous national anthem, Nigeria, We Hail Thee, was seen as not fully capturing the essence of Nigeria as a nation.

The new anthem, Arise, O Compatriots, was introduced to better reflect the country’s diversity, unity, and aspirations for a better future.

The change in the national anthem was part of a series of reforms undertaken by the military government to promote national unity and pride in Nigeria. It was also seen as a way to break away from the colonial legacy and assert Nigeria’s identity as an independent nation.

Overall, the change in the Nigerian national anthem in 1978 was a symbolic gesture aimed at fostering a sense of national identity and unity among the diverse population of Nigeria.

Leading the debate on the general principle of the bill to revert to Nigeria, We Hail Thee, Rep Ihonvbere said that Arise, O Compatriots was not helping.

He added that there was a need to go back to the old national anthem, whose wordings were more patriotic.

May 23, 2024
Why Nigeria has to go back to old national anthem – Rep Ihonvbere

A bill for an act to revert to the old national anthem has passed first, second, and third readings in the House of Representatives.

The bill was sponsored by the leader of the House, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, during plenary in Abuja on Thursday.

Leading the debate on the general principle of the bill, the lawmaker said that the current national anthem was not helping.

He added that there was a need to go back to the old national anthem, whose wordings were more patriotic.

“Going back to memory lane to a time in history when things were done in a proper manner, the old national anthem helped Nigerians to be more patriotic.”

He said, “The bill will bring us together, and give us hope and courage, a sense of duty to the nation.

“That does not necessarily deny the reality and that is the maintenance of contemporary societies.”

According to him, there are those that deny reality, and pretend racism does not exist, ethnicity doesn’t exist, poverty doesn’t exist.

“They rationalise this by looking at GMP, GDP and the reality stares people in the face and that is when you are faced with the realities then you can attack and deal with it frontally. ”

Contributing to the debate, Rep. Kingsley Chinda said, “We are taking ourselves back to the old National Anthem; incidentally, I will ask again: is this bill important at this particular time in our national lives?

“What value will it add to us as a nation? These questions need to be answered.”

He added that Nigerians were looking up to the House for more fundamental issues that would cause proper change.

“What is the history we are about to make? So I stand as a Nigerian to say no to this bill. I pray that we look at it critically and urge the sponsor to withdraw this bill.”

Rep. Ahmed Jaha (APC-Bormo) however, supported the bill, arguing that the “Arise O Compatriot” anthem has not benefited the country.

He said Nigerians were not living in tune with the wording of the “Arise O Compatriot” anthem.

Rep. Ahmed Satomi (APC-Borno) said, “Nigerians are looking up to us regarding this bill because many of us in our early 40s don’t know this national anthem.

“I don’t know how this bill on the national anthem will affect the common man. Let’s be realistic how this will help the government to stop hunger, banditry, or improve security.”

“Let’s do what is beneficial to the common man and this Honourable chamber is the only hope for now standing for the common man of Nigeria.”

”I concur with the Minority Leader. Let’s look at something that will bring a development in the eyes of the international communities to Nigeria.”

There were heated argument among those who were for and against the motion.

However, when the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary rule, it was in favour of those who supported the return to the old anthem.

The bill was subsequently sent to the Senate for concurrence.

May 23, 2024
BREAKING! Aggrieved Reps storm out of plenary over speedy passage of bill to change National Anthem

…Bill flies through 1st, 2nd, 3rd reading

Aggrieved lawmakers in the House of Representatives staged a walkout when a bill to revert to the old national anthem passed first, Second and third Reading on the floor of the House on Thursday at plenary.

The bill which was not captured on the Order paper for Thursday 23rd May 2024, was introduced by the Majority Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonbvere, and immediately passed first and second reading.

The Deputy speaker who was presiding officer, allowed the reading on the bill for the first time and immediately second reading after which the sponsor Rep. Ihonbvere was allowed to commence debate on the bill.

The House Leader in his debate said the words of the old national anthem speaks about the people that Nigerians are and that going back to it will bring back the unity once shared irrespective of tribal difference.

But the Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda believes that going back to the old national anthem would be going backwards and not a progression for Nigeria.

He said: “For every law, there must be a clear cut spirit behind it. The reason for the national anthem is Tradition, history, belief of the nation and its people.

“What does the old national anthem remind us of? History date back to colonialism.

“Is it any important to our national life, what value will it add to us?

Details shortly…

May 23, 2024
House of Reps passes bill to adopt old National Anthem

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.

May 23, 2024