The re-introduced old national anthem has continued to come under fire with many Nigerians describing it as “misplaced priorities” on the part of the government, meanwhile the switch had been recommended about 10 years ago.
However, the national confab committee set up by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014 had recommended that the country should return to the old national anthem.
It was particularly resented due to the speed at which the bill was assented to by President Bola Tinubu.
The house of representatives gave accelerated passage to the bill on May 23.
The bill passed the third reading after Julius Ihonvbere, the majority leader of the house, who sponsored it, moved for its consideration at the “committee of the whole,” where the clauses were voted on and approved.
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Ihonvbere had urged his colleagues to support the bill, noting that it would promote the unity of the country.
On Tuesday, the senate also passed the bill during a public hearing, and on Wednesday, Tinubu signed it into law.
The move has sparked reactions among Nigerians especially as the country is currently facing economic challenges.
The former president inaugurated the 492-member confab, headed by Idris Kutigi, a retired judge, to deliberate on the country’s political system.
Read also: Anthem timeline: From ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ to ‘Arise, O Compatriots,’ and back
During a review of the committee’s report, delegates in support of the resolution recited the anthem on the floor of plenary, maintaining that it promotes a better symbol of unity, peace, and prosperity — compared with the current one, composed by the late Odiase.
However, they rejected the proposal to change the national flag and the name ‘Nigeria’.
