President Bola Tinubu has revealed that the reintroduction of the old national anthem was always a priority for him.
Indeed, there is no smoke without fire.
You see, when news of President Tinubu reinstating the old national anthem surfaced, Nigerians did not need a soothsayer to know that there is more to it.
This move by the government sparked nothing but outrage as Nigerians expressed dissatisfaction over it.
The return of the old anthem had divided opinions, with some commentators criticising the move as yet another case of misplaced priority given the plethora of challenges confronting Nigerians.
The Meeting
However, during a meeting with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu explained why the old anthem was reintroduced.
The Nigerian leader said the National Assembly made the law reverting to the old national anthem.
Hence, he does not have a choice but to obey the legislation.
He said Nigeria’s diversity should be protected and celebrated, adding that the country’s population should not be seen as a burden.
The National Anthem
He said: “Let me allude to something that happened yesterday.
The change of national anthem, ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’.
“Some people say, okay… say what? Is that your priority? It’s my priority. I agree with the national assembly.
Also Read: National Anthem: When Was Nigeria We Hail Thee First Sang?
If they make law, I’ve got to obey that law, or we disagree openly and close the chapter.”
“But the question of diversity. Who gave us the name Nigeria?
Is it not Britain? Or somewhere? Have we changed our name?
We are Nigerians. Our passport shows that.”
“As long as we are Nigerians and one family, we remain and protect our diversity and love one another as brothers and sisters.
“It is God Almighty that puts you in that particular place and makes you a member of that family.
You have no control over it.
“When I came begging for votes, I didn’t say vote for me as a Yoruba man, I said vote for me as Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
