The Federal Government has called on the National Assembly to undertake broader consultations before passing the Nigerian National Anthem Bill.
This request was made by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, during a public hearing in Abuja on Monday regarding the bill to revert to the old national anthem.
The House of Representatives had accelerated the bill’s passage in a single sitting last Thursday, and the Senate moved it through first and second readings. Speaking at the hearing organized by the Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, and Interior, Fagbemi criticized the lawmakers for not consulting other stakeholders before advancing the bill.
Fagbemi emphasized the necessity of involving a wider range of opinions from Nigerians and other government branches before making such a significant change. He proposed a more inclusive process, including zonal public hearings and resolutions from the Federal Executive Council, Council of State, National and State Assemblies.
“It is my considered view that the decision to change Nigeria’s National Anthem, whether by reverting to the old one or adopting a new one, should involve wider citizen participation through zonal public hearings and resolutions from various government bodies,” Fagbemi stated.
He stressed that this process would better reflect the wishes of the majority of Nigerians. “The outcome of this process is bound to be a true reflection of the wishes of the generality or majority of Nigerians. I thank you all for granting me the audience to contribute my thoughts to this national cause.”
