NEWS
Senate Advances Bill To Change Nigeria’s National Anthem
A notable move unfolded in the Senate on Thursday as a bill advocating for the reinstatement of Nigeria’s former National Anthem progressed to a pivotal second reading.
The proposed legislation aims to supplant the current anthem with its predecessor, which held sway from the nation’s Independence Day in 1960 until its replacement in 1978 during Olusegun Obasanjo’s military administration.
During Thursday’s plenary session, the bill garnered substantial support, earning approval for both initial and subsequent readings, following a decisive vote overseen by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Subsequently, the Senate President referred the bill to the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, as well as Internal Affairs, for further legislative scrutiny and prompt reporting back.
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was embraced as the inaugural national anthem of the nation upon its attainment of independence from Britain in 1960.
The lyrics of the anthem were penned by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate residing in Nigeria during the historic moment, while Frances Berda composed the accompanying music.
During the deliberations on the bill, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele spearheaded the debate.
Mr. Bamidele underscored that the former anthem significantly fostered national identity and unity among Nigerians compared to the current anthem.
He said “The anthem, upon rendition, inspired and stimulated a deep sense of patriotism in Nigerians. You will also agree with me that those who were around in the 60s and the late 70s would attest to the fact that the anthem played quite a significant and crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity, as well as engendered a high sense of value and personal belonging amongst the citizenry.
“It was symbolic of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and nationhood. In retrospect, the anthem served as a regular and constant reminder of our journey as a nation and provoked feelings of nostalgia and fond memories of the country’s early years,” he added.
The Senate Leader fervently appealed to his fellow colleagues to endorse the substitution of the current anthem with its predecessor.
He said “Mr President, my dear Colleagues, at this momentous time in our national history, it is imperative that we utilise any platform that seeks to unite the country and promote patriotism amongst Nigerians.
“Accordingly, the old National Anthem, as a symbol of national pride, has provided insights for patriotic reflections on our aspirations, values and hope for a united and prosperous Nigeria.
“The rendition and musical accuracy of the anthem are better in content and context than the current one. On this note, permit me, at this juncture, to reproduce the anthem to serve as a reminder and reflection.
“The new anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” will inspire in us the zeal to build a fully integrated and indivisible nation, whereby all citizens will live in unity and harmony,” Mr Bamidele added.
The majority of senators who participated in the debate expressed their support for the bill and advocated for the Senate to conduct public hearings on the matter before reaching a final decision.
Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South) emphasized that the former National Anthem better depicted brotherhood and unity compared to the current one.
He questioned the inclusivity of the term “compatriots” in the existing anthem, highlighting the importance of considering all Nigerians, regardless of their background.
He said “Who are the compatriots? If you say compatriot, what about those who are not compatriots, are they not Nigerians? The old anthem discussed brotherhood. If I know you are my brother, I will ensure you are safe. ”
The Sokoto State House of Assembly has successfully passed the Sokoto Emirate Council Amendment Bill through its first and subsequent readings, aimed at amending the Sokoto Emirate Council’s powers, potentially altering the traditional governance structure in the region.
If enacted, the amendment would restrict the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, from unilaterally appointing kingmakers and district heads without prior government approval.
This legislative move comes amid heightened tensions and public scrutiny, sparked by concerns raised by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).
The organization’s Executive Director, Prof. Isiaq Akintola, voiced serious apprehension over an alleged plan by Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu to remove the Sultan of Sokoto from his position.
Recall that in a statement issued on Monday, Prof. Isiaq Akintola, the Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), voiced deep concern over the potential implications of recent legislative actions in Sokoto State.
His remarks come amidst growing controversy and tension, particularly in the aftermath of the deposition of several monarchs in neighboring Kano State.
He underscored that the Sultan’s position carries not only cultural but also religious significance, serving as a spiritual leader for Muslims across Nigeria, not just in Sokoto.
Governor Aliyu had previously deposed 15 traditional rulers over various violations.
In a separate development, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Peoples Democratic Party issued a warning on Monday against what they perceive as a potential move by the Sokoto State government to oust Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto.
However, the state government has refuted any intentions of deposing the monarch, dismissing the allegation as untrue.
According to Sambo Danchadi, the state Commissioner for Information, the existing law governing the appointment of traditional rulers in Sokoto State remains unchanged.
The Federal Executive Council has approved N1.99 billion for the procurement of 33 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles to bolster the operational capabilities of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The decision was made during Tuesday’s council meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
Following the meeting, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, briefed State House correspondents, revealing that the council also approved $1.442 billion for the purchase of firearms and ammunition to support the NDLEA’s efforts in combatting drug trafficking.
Additionally, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, announced that the Federal Executive Council has sanctioned N985 million for the acquisition of body scanners to be deployed at all of the nation’s international airports.
He said, “We submitted three items to the council on NDLEA. FEC approved the procurement of 33 Mikano motor vehicles CNG to boost the operation of NDLEA.
“Approval for NDLEA for procurement of firearms, ammunition, and counter-narcotics for the sum of $1.442 billion.The procurement of two units of body scanners for use both at Abuja and International Airports at N985 million.”
The International Criminal Court announced on Tuesday that arrest warrants had been issued against Russia’s Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, and former Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.
The warrants, issued on Monday and made public on Tuesday, allege their involvement in directing attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure deemed as war crimes.
These actions include targeting civilian sites and causing disproportionate harm to civilians, along with committing inhumane acts considered crimes against humanity in Ukraine, according to the ICC statement.
The ICC warrants mark the latest developments in the court’s actions related to the Ukraine conflict, which notably include an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
ICC judges stated that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that the two suspects are responsible for missile strikes conducted by the Russian armed forces on Ukrainian electrical infrastructure between October 10, 2022, and March 9, 2023.
According to the court, these strikes targeted civilian objects, and even when the targets could be considered military, the civilian casualties were deemed disproportionate to any anticipated military advantage.
Ukraine welcomed the decision, with President Volodymyr Zelensky describing it as significant.
He expressed hope that the suspects would be apprehended and emphasized that the decision underscores the inevitability of justice for Russian actions against Ukrainians.
Russia has dismissed the warrants as “insignificant,” with the country’s security council stating that the ICC’s jurisdiction does not extend to Russia and labeling the decision as part of the West’s hybrid warfare against Russia.
The ICC, headquartered in The Hague, lacks its own enforcement mechanism for arrest warrants and instead depends on its 124 member states’ justice systems to execute them.
In practice, individuals under an ICC warrant are theoretically barred from traveling to any ICC member state due to the risk of arrest.
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