The House of Representatives on Thursday engaged in a heated debate over a bill proposing the reinstatement of the old national anthem.
The initiative, led by Julius Ihonvbere, aims to revive the former anthem as a means to foster greater patriotism and nationalism among the populace.
Julius Ihonvbere, a respected lawmaker, passionately articulated the general principles behind the bill. He emphasized that the old anthem holds a unique place in the nation’s history and identity.
“Our former anthem embodies the spirit and resilience of our forefathers,” Ihonvbere argued.
He believes that reintroducing it would strengthen national unity and pride, invoking a deeper sense of belonging among citizens.
The proposal garnered mixed reactions within the House. Ahmed Jaha, a lawmaker from Borno State, expressed his strong support for the bill. He aligned with Ihonvbere’s sentiments, stressing that the old anthem could rekindle a shared sense of purpose and solidarity in a time when the nation needs it most.
However, the bill faced opposition from some quarters, most notably from the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda. Chinda rejected the proposal outright, arguing that the focus should be on more pressing issues rather than symbolic gestures.
He suggested that the resources and effort could be better spent addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges.
The debate highlighted the differing perspectives on how best to promote national unity and pride, setting the stage for further discussions and deliberations in the House.
Details later…
