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.