The House of Representatives has passed a bill to revert to the old national anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”.

The bill was quickly passed through first second and third reading within minutes.

The lead debate for a return to the old anthem by the House Leader, Professor JULIUS IHONVBERE, pointed to the need for Nigerians to see the anthem as a national symbol and sign of authority, one which does not deny the realities.

The old anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was replaced with the current one “Arise, O Compatriots in 1978.

The Minority Leader, KINGSLEY CHINDA, however, opposed the bill, saying the old anthem has a colonial tag which was the reason for the new anthem.

CHINDA questioned the importance of the anthem change at a time of more important challenges in the country.