The former Nigerian Minister of Education, Mrs. Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, has publicly opposed the recent legislative action that President Bola Tinubu recently signed into law to return to the previous national anthem. She made a strong statement about her position on the subject on Wednesday in a post on her X (formerly Twitter) account.
The debate started when the National Anthem Bill 2024, which aims to restore the previous national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was quickly passed by the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives. President Bola Tinubu promptly endorsed this decision, reiterating its official status as the national anthem. Legislators vigorously debated the bill, with supporters claiming that playing the old song again would be appropriate.
But Mrs. Ezekwesili called the new law “obnoxious” and said it went against the conscience of good-hearted Nigerians. Theanthem’s original lyrics, which begin, “Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey, to serve our fatherland with love and strength and faith.” are what she intended to keep singing. Her article included both anthem verses, highlighting themes of justice, solidarity, and faith values she believes the national anthem’s modification has compromised.
Ezekwesili’s objection is rooted in her belief that the proposed legislation only addresses the surface level issues facing the nation, such as the need for significant improvements in governance and economic challenges. “No one can take away my ability to disagree with what I think is.”
Significant discussion in the media has been sparked by the controversy over the anthem’s return, which speaks to larger worries about the priorities of the country. In light of the nation’s urgent social and economic problems, many Nigerians on social media and elsewhere have questioned the appropriateness and timing of replacing the national song. Opponents contend that these legislative initiatives accomplish nothing to address the pressing real problems like infrastructure development, economic recovery, and security.
Julius Ihonvbere spearheaded the House of Representatives campaign to reinstate the old national anthem, claiming that doing so would strengthen a sense of pride in one’s country. After lengthy discussions, the Borno North Senatorial District’s Tahir Monguno, the chair of the Judiciary Committee, supported the bill, which ultimately resulted in the 10th Senate passing it.
During this legislative activity, voices such as those of Ahmad Satomi, who represents Borno State’s Jere Federal Constituency, have emerged from within the administration itself, raising concerns about the bill’s alignment with the urgent needs of the nation. Satomi publicly questioned his fellow members of the Green Chamber last week over the anthem’s applicability in light of more pressing political and economic concerns, which sparked a larger discussion about the legislature’s focus and priorities.
