Last Thursday, Nigerians were surprised when a bill proposing to replace the current National Anthem with the old one was introduced in both houses of the National Assembly, and it quickly passed all three readings in one day.

On Monday, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, criticized the quick passage of the bill to change the National Anthem.

Fagbemi told the National Assembly that a decision about the National Anthem should not be made solely through legislative debate.

Fagbemi said this at a one-day public hearing on the bill to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem.

His position conflicts with that of the Senators.

Fagbemi argued that the law about the national anthem should not be passed without consulting the people through a plebiscite or referendum, which he said is the global standard.

He explained,

“In some cases, the national anthem is chosen through a national competition. In other cases, it is subjected to a plebiscite or referendum before being adopted.

“The purpose of this process is to gain the support and confidence of the people and to ensure the anthem reflects their collective aspirations and current socio-political conditions.

“Therefore, I believe that the decision about a national symbol should not be made solely by legislative or presidential decree.

“So, I think the decision to change Nigeria’s national anthem, whether to the old one or a new one, should involve a wider process of citizen participation through public hearings and resolutions from various governmental bodies.

“The result of this process will truly reflect the wishes of most Nigerians.”

Similarly, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, suggested expanding the discussion to include broader issues of national identity, not just the national anthem.

Represented by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Minister noted that some lines in the old national anthem don’t make sense.

He said,

“The national anthem is just a part of the larger issue. We should focus on the National Identity Act.

“The problem is that we don’t value national identity, which includes the national anthem. It’s not just about singing it in schools; it’s about learning and embracing it.”

Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, also advised the National Assembly to consult more widely before passing the bill to ensure Nigerians accept and support any proposed national anthem.

He supported the move to replace the current National Anthem with

“Nigeria, We Hail Thee,”

used from 1960.

He said the change was overdue because the current National Anthem, adopted in 1978, lacks the gravitas and inspiration needed to ignite national pride and zeal among Nigerians.

He noted that many countries, like Russia, Austria, Chile, France, Saudi Arabia, China, Brazil, Iran, and Iraq, have reverted to their old anthems.

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Maxi Okwu, criticized the lawmakers for focusing on the national anthem instead of addressing economic hardship and insecurity affecting millions of Nigerians.

He said,

“It’s irrelevant that they have time for such diversion. I’m shocked the bill passed all three readings in one day.”

He highlighted the emergency in the country, noting hunger, anger, and frustration while lawmakers focus on the national anthem.

Entrepreneur Adebowale Wifred said lawmakers are acting like jesters by chasing irrelevant issues instead of addressing the country’s real problems.

He questioned,

“Why are we like this?”

He lamented that Nigeria is plagued by economic, religious, and security problems, yet lawmakers focus on the national anthem.

He asked,

“Will this put food on anyone’s table or stop banditry and bloodshed? Why can’t we be serious for once?

“Nigeria is collapsing, and lawmakers only think about the old national anthem. People are starving; bandits and herdsmen prevent farming, causing a food crisis, yet lawmakers ignore these issues.”

Social worker Mrs. Vivian James supported the lawmakers, believing the old national anthem is better for uniting Nigerians.

She said,

“The old anthem is more meaningful for unity, especially the verse ‘though tribe and tongue may differ; in brotherhood we stand.’

“Nigeria has many ethnic groups and languages, and needs an anthem promoting unity. The current anthem doesn’t do this, so I support returning to the old anthem.”

Legal practitioner Marcellus Onah said lawmakers are not meeting Nigerians’ expectations by ignoring important issues that could positively impact people’s lives.

He questioned,

“How can the national anthem be a priority today? Nigerians are suffering from inflation, insecurity, and corruption.

“Legislators should focus on solving real problems like corruption, exchange rates, hunger, and insecurity, not waste energy on national anthems.

“Lawmakers need to know that Nigerians are suffering and require legislation to bring relief.”