Some Nigerians have expressed outrage after the nation’s nationwide anthem was modified with little session.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday signed into legislation the invoice to revert to Nigeria’s previous nationwide anthem which was dropped by a army authorities in 1978.
The newly re-adopted anthem, which begins “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” was written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda.
Talking on his first anniversary in workplace, President Tinubu stated the anthem symbolised Nigeria’s variety.
However many have questioned his priorities amid the cost-of-living disaster.
Reacting on-line, some Nigerians stated the nation had extra urgent issues similar to insecurity, rising inflation and a international trade disaster.
X person @Gospel_rxx posted: “A brand new nationwide anthem is the precedence for Tinubu & Co at a time like this, When our individuals cannot eat, insecurity is rife & life is hell? What a sordid joke!!. Lets see how they implement it…”
One other X person Fola Folayan stated it was shameful that parliament had rushed via the invoice.
“Altering the Nigerian nationwide anthem written by a Nigerian, to the tune written by colonizers is a silly determination and it is shameful that no one within the Nationwide Meeting thought to face in opposition to it.”
Former Training Minister Oby Ezekwesili posted on X that she would by no means sing the new-old anthem.
“Let or not it’s recognized to one and all that I, Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili shall at any time when requested to sing the Nigerian Nationwide Anthem [will] sing:”
She then posted the phrases of “Come up O Compatriots” – the anthem which has been used for the previous 46 years.
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad had an attention-grabbing take as Nigerians proceed to debate the problem on social media.
“After the change of our nationwide anthem, some individuals are actually calling for the identify Nigeria and the nationwide flag to be modified as effectively. What do you suppose? Ought to we preserve the identify Nigeria?”
However Tahir Mongunu, chairman of the parliamentary committee which pushed the invoice via, dismissed the widespread criticism, saying it was “apt, well timed and essential”.
“It’s going to undoubtedly encourage a zeal for patriotism and cooperation. It’s going to promote cultural heritage. Altering the nationwide anthem will chart a path to higher unity,” Tahir stated.
And Kano resident Habu Shamsu agrees, telling the BBC: “I believe it extra encompassing and I like the way in which it flows.”
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