Nigeria House of Representatives said the bill passed and assented to by President Bola Tinubu on the old national anthem was in implementing the resolution of the 2014 National Conference.
House of Reps said the National Assembly acted in good spirit for the benefit of Nigeria and on the need to implement the resolution of the 2014 National Conference resolution to discuss political and social issues facing the country by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Giving a historical perspective on Wednesday, May 29, the Green Chamber, quoted the recommendation of one of the 20 committees of the 2014 National Confab- Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government – which was approved in Chapter 5:12 final resolution of the Late Retired Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi Confab.
According to the 2014 National Conference resolution, the old national anthem ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’ embodies unity, peace and prosperity.
The explanation from the lower legislative house comes amid criticisms from Nigerians following the rush with which the National Assembly passed the old national anthem bill and the quick assent it received from President Tinubu.
Nigerians argue that economic hardship facing the citizens, caused by Tinubu’s economic policies should have been subject of discussion for the legislators and not old national anthem.
A former CBN Deputy Governor, Professor Kingsley Moghalu said, “Changing the national anthem in Nigeria will not solve any of Nigeria’s problems, not least the challenge of building a nation.”
Moghalu argued that the wording of the old national anthem would not bring justice and economic prosperity to Nigerians without conscious action of political leaders.
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He said what was needed for the country’s development and economic prosperity were “leadership action, not words, fairness, not prejudice, inclusion, not exclusion, a nation-spirit, not tribal-spirit, justice, not injustice.”
The Green Chamber statement read: “Delegates at the 2014 National Conference on Thursday, July 3, 2014, adopted the recommendation of its Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government that Nigeria reverts to its old natonal anthem ‘Nigeria we hail thee.’
“Chapter 5.12, final resolution (2014 National Conference) stated, “conference decided that : Nigeria should revert to her old national anthem which embodies unity, peace and prosperity.
“The report added that the old national anthem reinforces national consciousness.
The Conference headed by Retired Chief Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi (now late), had about 492 delegates drawn from diverse backgrounds, including political leaders, traditional rulers, civil society representatives, professional bodies and other stakeholders.
“The Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government was one of the 20 committees set up by the Conference for administrative convenience.”
