Exclusive: Senate In Closed-Door Debates Change Of ‘Obasanjo’ National Anthem

The Senate has launched a secret but controversial move to change Nigeria’s National Anthem decreed by the General Olusegun Obasanjo military regime in 1978, GWG.ng reports.

The move which was debated behind closed doors on Thursday afternoon has, however, divided many senators.

GWG.ng reports that the Senator Godswill Akpabio led leadership of the Senate initiated the move with the attempt to fast-track the change to restore the pre-1978 national anthem through expedited reading of the bill on Thursday.

However, the move divided the lawmakers with some like Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Danjuma Goje canvassing that a public hearing should be conducted by the Senate before any move to restore the former National Anthem.

However, Senator Victor Umeh according to Senate sources led the camp for the Senate to expedite the change without a public hearing.

Those in the Umeh camp pushing for the bill to be pushed through canvassed that the bill to be given first reading, second reading and third reading on Thursday.

Former Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya from Kebbi State while teaming up with the Oshiomhole-Goje team said that such a crucial national decision should involve a national consultation.

He added in his contribution that going ahead with the change of the national anthem without consultation could give the impression that the Senate does not have its priorities in the face of the hardship in the country.

He said that it would appear as if the lawmakers were diverting attention from the issues in the country.

Senator Umeh, however, in countering the claim cited Rwanda as an example where changes were made towards bringing national healing adding that a public hearing could bring a pandora box that no one may be able to close.

GWG.ng reports that at the end of the closed-door discussion, Senator Akpabio ruled that the bill should go through first and second reading and that opportunity should be given for interested stakeholders to ventilate during a public hearing.

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