The Nigerian Senate has approved the bill to change the current National Anthem titled “Arise O Compatriots” to the old national anthem “Nigeria, we Hail thee”.
The Bill was passed despite concerns raised by some stakeholders including Lateef Fagbemi, the Auditor-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice against hasty passage and the need for a wider consultation.
The Auditor-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi noted that the view to change Nigeria’s national anthem, whether by replacing it with the old one or a new one, should be subjected to a wider process of citizen participation through zonal public hearings, resolutions of the federal executive council, council of state, national and state assemblies .
He also added that the process should not be only subjected to a legislative process or presidential proclamation.
Report had it that the Bill was read for the first- and second-time last week Thursday at the Senate. It also received an accelerated hearing at the lower house as it was read for the first, second time.
The bill now awaits President Bola Tinubu’s assent to become law.
Recall that the National Assembly began the process of changing the national anthem to the old one.
While the house of representatives passed the bill after the third reading, the senate passed it for the second reading, which prompted the public hearing.
Over 40 persons have been reportedly killed during an attack in Zurak village a District of Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State after suspected bandits attacked the community. According some residents of the community, several houses were also set ablaze by the bandits during the attack when people in the community were going about their normal activities. Residents also noted that it was impossible to report the incident due to […]
Post comments (0)