A bill that would bring back Nigeria’s ancient national song, “Nigeria we welcome thee,” was voted for a second reading in the House of Representatives during a heated session. The bill was met with strong opposition and doubts about its applicability to the urgent problems the country faces. The representative of Borno State’s Jere Federal Constituency started the conversation off by bluntly criticizing the Green Chamber’s emphasis on symbolic actions as opposed to meaningful, development-oriented policy.
The bill, led by Julius Ihonvbere, proposes to promote nationalism and patriotism by bringing back the traditional national hymn. During his House speech, Ihonvbere highlighted historical and cultural elements and made the case that the original hymn may inspire a renewed sense of pride in the country. This legislative attempt, however, was immediately questioned in the parliamentary chambers and on social media, as many Nigerians voiced doubts about its usefulness and timing in light of the nation’s more pressing challenges.
When Borno delegate Satomi took the floor to offer a moving critique of the bill’s practical effects on ordinary Nigerians, the argument reached a climax. Satomi passionately questioned in her speech how altering the national anthem could ever address Nigeria’s dismal situation such as economic instability, rampant hunger, ongoing banditry, and escalating insecurity. His intervention highlighted a growing disconnect between legislative actions and the pressing needs of the populace, echoing a sentiment widely shared among his constituents and fellow Nigerians.
“How will this support either hunger, banditry, or improve insecurity? Let’s be realistic,” Satomi implored his colleagues, emphasizing the necessity for legislation that directly benefits the common man rather than indulging in symbolic acts. He argued for a shift in legislative priorities toward initiatives that would genuinely attract positive international attention, drive technological and innovative progress, and foster economic growth and stability.
A larger audience found resonance in Satomi’s comments, which ignited an animated conversation regarding the function of cultural icons like national anthems in the advancement of a country. His reference to the proverb, “Countries that rely on prayers will rely on the ones that do think,” was meant to be a wake-up call for the politicians to put real, workable answers ahead of token gestures.
The law was given rapid review and passed on Thursday, May 23, in spite of Satomi’s protests and the public discussion they stirred. In light of the ongoing national challenges with hunger, insecurity, and underdevelopment, this decision has only intensified conversations regarding the goals of Nigeria’s legislature among the general people and lawmakers. Therefore, the passage of this bill does not signal the conclusion of the dispute but rather opens up a broader dialogue about the effectiveness and relevance of legislative measures in addressing the real-world challenges facing Nigerians today.
