The House of Representatives on Thursday adopted a motion to revert back to the old national anthem.
House Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, who sponsored a bill to that effect, led the debate when it was called up for a first, second and third readings, within minutes despite opposition from some lawmakers.
House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, who opposed the bill, said the old anthem should not be prioritised now as doing so would mean going back to the colonial era when it was composed.
Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, who presided over plenary ruled in favour of the “Ayes” despite the resounding “Nays” that greeted the motion when it was put to vote.
At the Senate, the bill which passed second reading on Thursday was sponsored by the Leader of the red chamber, Opeyemi Bamidele, and enjoyed the overwhelming support of lawmakers.
It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to report back to the house in two weeks.
The lawmakers, who appeared unanimous in support of the bill, argued that it would promote better symbol for unity, peace and prosperity, compared to the current one, foisted by the military junta.
