SAN FRANCISCO, March 26, (THEWILL) – The House of Representatives Wednesday commenced debate on the controversial bill that seeks to change the country’s national motto from “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress” to “Unity and Faith, Justice and Equity, Peace and Progress”.
The bill titled “a bill for an act to alter the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) by changing the motto of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress” to “Justice and Equity, Peace and Progress” thereby creating strong political will to achieve political objectives in Nigeria and for other related matters” was presented by Hon. Chris Emeka Azubogu (APGA, Anambra).
Azubogu also sought the support of his colleagues to further amend the bill to read ‘Unity and Faith, Justice and Equity, Peace and Progress”. But following the opposition mounted against the bill, the lawmaker was forced to withdraw it in order to create room for more consultation.
While presenting the motion, the lawmaker said the time to effect the change was now.
He was supported by Hon. Matthew Omegara, Linus Okorie and Hon. Sadik Asema.
But Hon. Chris Etah kicked against the bill and instead urged the House to support the retention of “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress”. He argued that unity and peace are inherent in the “unity and faith” so they should discountenanced in the proposal.
Hon. Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje also opposed the bill arguing that it was too long. She explained that the present motto was apt and should not be tampered with.
But following the disagreement that greeted the bill, Hon. Azubogu applied that debate on it be put forward to another day.
SAINT MUGAGA, ABUJA
