The bill, which swiftly passed through first, second, and third readings within minutes, also cleared its second reading on the Senate floor. While many Nigerians question the rush, others wonder what the move aims to achieve, especially considering the old national anthem was composed by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate in Nigeria during independence, with lyrics set to music by Frances Berda.
This raises the question: what is wrong with the anthem “Arise, O Compatriots,” which was created by five individuals—P. O. Aderibigbe, John A. Ilechukwu, Dr. Sota Omoigui, Eme Etim Akpan, and B.A. Ogunnaike—and set to music by Benedict Odiase?
Lawmakers argue that the current anthem is unrealistic, prompting the move to revert. However, many Nigerians view the bill differently, and their reactions from Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) reflect this sentiment.