By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
A wave of outrage has swept through Nigeria following the government's decision to revert to the country's old national anthem without significant public consultation. President Bola Tinubu signed the bill into law on Wednesday, reinstating the anthem that had been in use before it was replaced by a military government in 1978.
The Anthem Change
The newly readopted anthem, titled "Nigeria, We Hail Thee," was originally written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda. President Tinubu, marking his first anniversary in office, emphasized that the anthem symbolizes Nigeria's diverse heritage.
Public Reaction
Despite the government's intentions, many Nigerians have expressed severe discontent, questioning the timing and priorities of the administration. The country is currently grappling with significant challenges such as insecurity, rising inflation, and a foreign exchange crisis.
On social media platform X, user @Gospel_rxx criticized the government's decision: “A new national anthem is a priority for Tinubu & Co at a time like this when our people can't eat, insecurity is rife & life is hell? What a sordid joke! Let's see how they implement it...”
Another user, Fola Folayan, condemned the speed with which the bill was passed, highlighting the anthem's colonial origins: “Changing the Nigerian national anthem written by a Nigerian, to the song written by colonizers is a stupid decision and it's shameful that nobody in the National Assembly thought to stand against it.”
Political and Public Figure’s Opinions
Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili voiced her disapproval on X, declaring her refusal to sing the readopted anthem. She stated, “Let it be known to all and sundry that I, Obiageli ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili shall whenever asked to sing the Nigerian National Anthem [will] sing:” and posted the words of the anthem that has been used for the past 46 years, “Arise O Compatriots.”
Conversely, former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad pointed out that some citizens now call for broader changes, including the country's name and national flag. He posed the question on social media: “After the change of our national anthem, some people are now calling for the name Nigeria and the national flag to be changed. What do you think? Should we keep the name Nigeria?”
Parliamentary Defense
Despite the backlash, Tahir Mongunu, chairman of the parliamentary committee responsible for the bill, defended the change as "apt, timely and important." He argued that the new anthem would inspire patriotism and unity, saying, “It will undoubtedly inspire a zeal for patriotism and cooperation. It will promote cultural heritage. Changing the national anthem will chart a path to greater unity.”
Public Support
Amid the widespread criticism, some support the change. Kano resident Habu Shamsu expressed his approval to the BBC: “I think it is more encompassing and I like the way it flows.”
Comparison of Anthems
1978 to 2024 Anthem: "Arise, O Compatriots"
First stanza:
“Arise, O Compatriots, Nigeria's call obey. To serve our fatherland. With love and strength and faith. The labour of our heroes past, shall never be in vain. To serve with heart and might. One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.”
1960 to 1978, Readopted 2024 Anthem: "Nigeria, We Hail Thee"
First stanza:
“Nigeria we hail thee. Our own dear native land. Though tribes and tongue may differ. In brotherhood we stand. Nigerians all, are proud to serve. Our sovereign motherland.”
The decision to revert to the old national anthem has sparked a significant debate across Nigeria. While the government and some citizens see it as a move towards unity and cultural heritage, many others view it as an ill timed and misguided priority given the country's current socio economic issues.