The Senate has commenced a public hearing on a proposed Act concerning the National Anthem of Nigeria and related matters.
Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele, representing the President of the Senate at the hearing, mentioned that the second stanza of the current national anthem might be designated as the national prayer. He noted that further consultation would be considered if necessary.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, emphasized that the amendment should not be enacted solely by legislative action but should involve broader consultation. He stated that while a reversal is not inappropriate, it must reflect the wishes of the majority of Nigerians through a comprehensive process.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, supported this view by referencing a line from the previous anthem addressing oppression. He agreed with the Director General of the National Orientation Agency that changing the national anthem is overdue. Ozekhome recalled proposing this idea at the 2014 National Conference (CONFAB), where it was debated but ultimately rejected by the 490 delegates.
Ozekhome also criticized the current Nigerian flag as uninspiring compared to those of the US and South Africa. He suggested changing Nigeria’s name, describing it as burdensome, and proposed the name “Iregime.” He argued that, like changes made in countries such as The Netherlands, Pakistan, France, Russia, Turkey, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, a name change could be vital for development.
Ozekhome maintained that a national referendum is essential to address these issues comprehensively, asserting that minor constitutional amendments will not resolve Nigeria’s problems.
Last week, a bill seeking to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem passed the second reading in the Senate. It was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, which is expected to report back within two weeks.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has passed the bill to revert to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
