The Senate has started a public hearing on an Act to provide for the National Anthem of Nigeria and related matters.

The leader of the Senate, OPEYEMI BAMIDELE, who represented the President of the Senate at the hearing, said the second stanza of the existing national anthem shall be the national prayer.

However, he said if deemed necessary, there will be further consultation on the matter.

In his contribution Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, LATEEF FAGBEMI, said the amendment should not come only by legislative fiat, but should be subjected to a wider consultation

He stated that the reversal is not out of place but it should involve a wider process to ensure it is a true reflection of the generality of the wishes of all Nigerians.

A national referendum is key he maintains to holistically solve the issues, asserting again that the slight amendment to the constitution will not solve Nigeria’s problems.

Last week, a bill seeking to make provision for Nigeria to revert to its old national anthem scaled through second reading at the Senate.

It was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to report back to the house in two weeks.