Reps call for return to old national anthem

The House of Representatives have debated a bill, which is seeking a return to the old national anthem.

The debate on the general principles of the bill was led by the sponsor of the proposed law, Julius Ihonvbere, anchored his argument on the need for patriotism and nationalism.

While the bill enjoyed the support of Ahmed Jaha, a lawmaker from Borno State, it was rejected by the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda.

In his contribution, Chinda, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party noted that the old national anthem was a colonial heritage which should not be considered in a post-independent Nigeria.

His argument was supported by the member representing Jere Federal Constituency, Borno State, Mr Ahmad Satomi.

Another Borno lawmaker, Ahmed Jaha, however, supported the bill arguing that the the wordings in the new anthem are verbal expressions that have no substance in the affairs of the Nigerian State.