The House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday proposing a return to the old national anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”.
The bill swiftly progressed through first, second, and third readings within minutes, and also passed its second reading on the floor of the Senate.
While some Nigerians question the urgency of this move, others are pondering its significance. Particularly noteworthy is that the old national anthem in question, composed by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate residing in Nigeria during independence, had its lyrics eventually set to music by Frances Berda.
This raises the question: what is the issue with the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” composed by P. O. Aderibigbe, John A. Ilechukwu, Dr. Sota Omoigui, Eme tim Akpan, and B.A. Ogunnaike, and set to music by Benedict Odiase?
Lawmakers argue that the current anthem is unrealistic, hence the proposal for reversion. However, many Nigerians perceive the bill differently, as reflected in their reactions gathered from X (formerly known as Twitter).
It was a good composition then, but not for today. Furthermore, everything said in there are lies; not like the current one is true, but at least it’s a lie we have become accustomed to. Our leaders obviously have misplaced priorities. Who cares really?
— Chubie Ujah (@ChubieUjah) May 23, 2024
If dem like make dem change anthem 1 billion times if the tief for eyes no commot nothing will change.
People should change for good, anthem no be our problem.
— Raji Ibrahim 🇳🇬 (@Raji_Destiny) May 23, 2024
I actually love the message this old anthem is passing. Very emotional especially for how deep we have sink in this country
— Upcoming Billionaire (@Osho1_official) May 23, 2024
National anthem is not Nigeria’s problem today.
— Marvellous Israel (@MarvellousIsra3) May 23, 2024
Watch and see how they’ll siphon money with this new anthem they re trying to establish
Cuz idk wetin concern a country on its knee with change of anthem
— Ray (@Rahmonade15) May 23, 2024
It is composed for us by the colonial master. Where is our pride when we think the national collaboration composed anthem is inferior to the one we inherit from colonial masters
— Amourab (@amourab) May 23, 2024
This one na confirm gbedu, make Dey add small talking drum and agbada make party start jare
— Mayowa-David (@Mayordavid_9) May 23, 2024
Our flag is beautiful. Our national anthem sounds great, but our country is in the wrong hands.
— MR RALPH (@Ralphbezz) May 23, 2024
I remember this! Brings back so many memories. It’s got that classic vibe, you know?
— Nathalie May (@nathaliemayy) May 23, 2024
Nigerians wey never fit change from NEPA to PHCN or from OMO to the likes of WAW etc now they want us to change from ARISE O COMPATRIOTS to this cele church song 😏. IMPOSSIBLE!
— Nwa afo IGBO 👑 (@ayampeky) May 23, 2024
Thank goodness say them quick scrap am.. be like olumba olumba song
— P̺͆R̺͆I̺͆N̺͆C̺͆E̺͆ ~ C̺͆H̺͆A̺͆R̺͆M̺͆I̺͆N̺͆G̺͆ (@Dprince_charmin) May 23, 2024
Most of them sitting in that National Assembly don’t know how to sing any of the two but they want to change rubbish and replace with nonsense. Misplaced priorities
— FULFULDE. ™️ (@isah_muaaz) May 23, 2024