Senate Holds Secret Session to Rush Nigerian Anthem Change Bill

The Nigerian Senate decided that lawmakers must return to the plenary to vote on a bill replacing the current national anthem with the former one, ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’.

This decision was reached in an executive/closed session on Thursday. Any interested Nigerian can participate in a public hearing at the Senate building. The Senate leadership advocated for reverting to the former anthem, with the bill anticipated to undergo the first and second readings today.

Senator Yahaya Abubakar of Kebbi proposed nationwide consultations to shift focus from the economic crisis. Meanwhile, Senator Victor Umeh of the Labour Party backed the Senate leadership in amending the bill to change the anthem, using Rwanda as a reference. Umeh opposed a public hearing, fearing that allowing Nigerians to voice their opinions could lead to chaos. He has been showing loyalty to Senator Akpabio, endorsing all his statements.

Despite his party leader, Peter Obi, supporting Senator Ningi, Senator Umeh has remained steadfast in supporting Senator Akpabio and even objected to lifting the suspension of Senator Ningi Abdul.