The attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and Nigeria’s minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi says the decision to change the country’s national anthem ought to be subjected to a wider process.
AGF Fagbemi made his statement in Abuja on Monday when he appeared before the senate committee on the judiciary.
Last week, the national assembly commenced the process of changing the national anthem to the obsolete one.
While the house of representatives passed the bill after its third reading, the senate has passed it for the second reading, which ignited public hearing.
Fagbemi elucidated that the choice of a national anthem should not be by only legislative process or presidential proclamation alone.
“It is not out of place for Nigeria to be guided by the process of evolution of a national anthem in other jurisdictions,” Fagbemi said.
“For most African countries, the national anthem symbolizes the end of colonialism. Hence, former British colonies jettisoned ‘God Bless the Queen’ to adopt their home-made national anthems which were all notably written by their own citizens.
“It is my considered view that the decision to change Nigeria’s national anthem, whether by replacing it with the old one or a new one, should be subjected to a wider process of citizen participation through zonal public hearings, resolutions of the federal executive council, council of state, national and state assemblies, etc.
“The outcome of this process is bound to be a true reflection of the wishes of the generality or majority of Nigerians.”