A Borno lawmaker, Ahmad Satomi, has criticised the bill passed by the House of Representatives to revert back to the old National Anthem.
On Thursday, May 23, the House of Representatives passed a bill to reinstate the old National Anthem, despite opposition from lawmakers across party lines.
The bill, titled: “Act to Provide for the National Anthem of Nigeria, and for Matters Related,” was sponsored by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo) and was swiftly approved during the plenary session.
The Borno lawmaker however criticized the bill, questioning its relevance in addressing issues of hunger and insecurity.
He said: “I don’t know how this National Anthem affect the wellbeing of the common man in Nigeria. Let’s be realistic, how will this support the government to stop either hunger, banditry or improve insecurity.
“To us let’s do what is beneficial to the common man and this honourable chamber is the only, for now standing on formidable force for the common man of Nigeria.
“So Nigerians are looking up to us. I concur with the Minority leader let’s look at something that will bring development in the eyes of the international community to Nigeria.
“People are discussing nano-technology, internet, we are still discussing National anthem.
“There is a saying that says, ‘Countries that relies prayers and other things will always depend on the countries that do think’.
“Please let’s think something that will bring progress, prosperity, stability to the economy of this Nation and to improve the lives of common man in Nigeria.”
