The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has revealed why the new national anthem was first sang at the National Assembly.
Recall that the new national anthem was officially launched at the National Assembly on Wednesday, May 29.
But speaking on why the national anthem was first sang in Senate Chamber, Akpabio said the parliament is the voice of Nigerians.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu had signed the bill to revert the old national anthem into law. The President was also on hand at the Senate Chamber when the anthem was first sang by the lawmakers on Wednesday morning.
The former anthem was adopted as Nigerian national anthem at the country’s independence on 1 October, 1960. But it was changed in 1978 by the Olusegun Obasanjo military regime.
The new national anthem was sung upon President Tinubu’s arrival in the House chamber for the joint session.
After signing the anthem, the Senate President said there is no better place to start the practice of the new anthem than the National Assembly. He said the parliament is the voice of the people.
Relishing the anthem, Akpabio described it as a “revolution to our genealogy”.
He said, “There is no better place to commence this revolution of going back to our genealogy than the National Assembly. The voice of the National Assembly is the voice of Nigeria, so we welcome you.”
Akpabio described the enactment of the new anthem into law was one of the profound achievements of President Tinubu one year in office.
Appreciating President Tinubu’s presence at the National Assembly on Wednesday, Akpabio expressed excitment. He said, “You intend to celebrate Democracy Day, which is June 12. But out of love and respect for the National Assembly, you said you must pass through the National Assembly on your first anniversary.
“Of all the significant things you have done, I think one of the most profound is to take us back to our genealogy. The genealogy of our birth. Though, we may belong to different tribes, though we may have different tongues in brotherhood we all stand.
“Henceforth, we will not refer to ourselves as dear compatriots. We will refer to ourselves as brothers. And as we go forward in battle, whether in the field of sports, in the filed of politics, we must hail Nigeria. So, we are all saying today that Nigeria, we Hail thee.
“On that note, we will allow you to greet your people because of your travelling schedule today. And we look forward to celebrating Democracy Day on June 12 with you. You just greet us, you may say a word. You may stand up and take a bow anyhow you do it. And, thereafter, we will allow you to take your exit. Welcome, Mr. President.” The Senate President said.
source: Premium Times
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