National Anthem Change Requires Wider Consultation, AGF Advises National Assembly

The Nigerian National Assembly was advised on Monday that the decision to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem should not be made solely through legislative debate.

Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, emphasized this point during a one-day public hearing on a bill proposing the change.

Fagbemi’s position conflicts with that of the Senators, even though the bill, originating from the Executive and sponsored by Senator Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, had swiftly passed its first and second readings last week.

Fagbemi argued that the adoption of a national anthem requires extensive consultation with the populace, ideally through a plebiscite or referendum, which aligns with global standards.

“In some cases, the national anthem emerges from open national competition among interested citizens.

In other instances, the proposed national anthem is subjected to a plebiscite or referendum before its eventual adoption or declaration,” he said.

“This ensures the anthem reflects the collective aspirations and contemporary socio-political conditions of the people.”

He asserted that such a significant national symbol should not be decided solely by legislative or presidential action but should involve wider citizen participation through zonal public hearings and resolutions from various government bodies.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, also spoke at the hearing, represented by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu.

Malagi suggested that the issue of national identity, including the national anthem, should be comprehensively addressed, noting that some lines in the old anthem lacked coherence.

Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, supported the proposal to replace the current “Arise, O Compatriots” anthem with “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” Nigeria’s original anthem from 1960. He argued that the current anthem, adopted in 1978, lacks the inspiration needed to foster national pride and enthusiasm.

Ozekhome pointed out that replacing a national anthem is not unprecedented, as over 20 countries, including Russia, Austria, Chile, France, and China, have done so at various times.

Other stakeholders at the hearing also expressed a preference for the old national anthem over the current one.