Nigerians Criticize Government’s Decision to Reinstate Old National Anthem
The government's decision to bring back Nigeria's old national anthem has sparked varied reactions among citizens. President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 on Wednesday, reinstating "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" and replacing "Arise, O Compatriots."
This anthem was originally used from Nigeria's independence in 1960 until it was replaced in 1978.
According Elliptical News, former Minister of Education, Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, expressed her refusal to accept the old anthem, calling the law "obnoxious" and against good conscience.
Other Nigerians also voiced their discontent on social media. Abiola questioned the benefit of this change, while Lawrence Ohineme saw it as a distraction from current hardships. An anonymous user, #SamFomwul, doubted its impact on public welfare.
Similarly, #charlycity criticized the lack of public consultation, and Gbenga Akeju suggested creating a new anthem instead. Kingsley Ibietela sarcastically asked for the return of the 1963 constitution.
On Facebook, Adegboyega Adeyemi and Nelson Oriarebun decried the decision as backward and out of touch with public priorities. Olayemi Salami lamented the difficulty of learning a new anthem at his age.
Despite the criticism, some, like Simeon Simeon, supported the change, praising it as a positive development and thanking the president for his vision.
