Like a dream of the night, Nigerians woke up to find that the National Anthem they know has now become history. It was a quick one, with the President assenting to the bill, making it a law. this comes a few days after Nigerians knew about the plan.
Yes! President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Anthem Bill 2024, bringing back the old Nigeria’s national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”. “Arise O Compatriot” is now history.
But there is a reason the President took the decision on Wednesday, May 29.
Now, mixed reactions have trailed the development. Indeed, many Nigerians have come out to question why the National Anthem needed to be changed at this time, given pressing issues confronting Nigeria.
But it turns out that the action predates last week’s rushed passage of the Bill into law by both chambers of the National Assembly.
Most importantly, that was done without first holding a public hearing to win over Nigerians to such a delicate matter.
Additional information has surfaced since an old video of President Tinubu reappeared on social media. The video shows the beginnings of the movement to return to the previous anthem.
Before taking office as president of Nigeria two years ago, Tinubu acknowledged his affection for the country’s previous anthem. It was at a TV programme commemorating the country’s independence anniversary in 2022.
Basically, the video dated October 2, 2022, captures Tinubu’s sentiments during an interview with Seye Oyetade on the program ‘Matters Of Heritage’.
National Anthem Democracy
During the interview, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at the time passionately shared his admiration for the old anthem.
According to him, if he had his way, he would bring it back.
“We must guard our democracy jealously,” he asserted, emphasising the importance of unity and national pride.
“We have one Nigeria, and we should be proud of our heritage.
“If I had my way, I would bring back our old first national anthem.
“That described us much better,” he said.
Read more: Old National Anthem Will Restore Lost Glory – Agbese
Furthermore, the president, reiterated the need for the old National Anthem to return.
Tinubu said: “It’s about service. It’s about diversity and it’s about commitment,” underscoring the values as essential for nation-building.
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