Senate Holds Public Hearing on Change of National Anthem.

The Senate has begun a public hearing on an Act to provide for Nigeria's National Anthem and associated concerns. Last week, a bill aimed at allowing Nigeria to return to its ancient national song passed second reading in the Senate. The Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who represented the President of the Senate during the hearing, stated that the second stanza of the existing national song will serve as the national prayer. However, he stated that if it was deemed essential, additional consultation would be held on the subject. Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, stated in his submission that the amendment should not be implemented just through legislative fiat, but rather through broader engagement.

He noted that while the reversal was not unexpected, it should be part of a larger process to ensure that it accurately reflects the overall aspirations of all Nigerians. Meanwhile, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, cited a passage from the former anthem that addresses injustice, while agreeing with the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency that the nation's anthem needed to be changed. He noted that at the 2014 CONFAB, he proposed replacing the song in a proposal, which was considered and supported by 490 delegates. According to him, the current Nigerian flag of green white green is too dull and uninspiring compared to that of the US and South Africa.

Ozekhome also recalls suggesting that the term 'Nigeria' be altered because it appeared to be a burden, recommending that Nigeria be renamed 'iregime'. He feels that transformation, as seen in other countries such as the Netherlands, Pakistan, France, Russia, Turkey, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and 12 others, is critical for progress. He stated that a nationwide vote was necessary to address the country's concerns in a comprehensive manner, believing that a minor revision to the constitution would not suffice. Last week, a bill attempting to provide a provision for Nigeria to return to its previous national song "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" soared through a second reading in the Senate.

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