BOMBSHELL: Tension Mounts On President Tinubu Hours After Signing Old Anthem Bill Into Law; See How Nigerians Reacted
President Bola Tinubu’s decision to sign a bill reverting Nigeria’s national anthem to the previous one,” Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, has sparked widespread criticism. The bill was introduced and passed by the National Assembly in a remarkably short time, and many Nigerians see it as a misplaced priority. The country is currently facing numerous pressing issues, including rising inflation and security challenges, and many citizens feel that the government should be focusing on addressing these problems rather than changing the national anthem. Social media users have expressed their dissatisfaction, with one user writing, “The long- awaited national anthem bill that will solve the issues of insecurity, hunger, corruption, and create job opportunities has been officially signed by the President….
Analysts and civil society organizations have also criticized the move, saying it is an abuse of legislative privilege and a sign of disconnection from reality. They argue that the country has more pressing issues that need attention and resources, such as security, economic stability, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. The Country Director of Action Aid Nigeria (AAN), Mr. Andrew Mamedu, said the bill to revert to the old National Anthem is an absolute misplacement of priorities and an abuse of legislative privilege, especially given the numerous pressing issues facing the nation that remain unaddressed”.
Similarly, the Executive Director, Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, decried the move, saying it is disheartening to see the nation trapped in a cycle of ineffective leadership. However, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa- Oninlu, has defended the move, saying that the new anthem will connect with Nigerians’ sentiments and call them to action. He argued that the words of the anthem have a profound impact on citizens and can inspire them to take action.
Despite this defense, the move has been met with widespread criticism, with many Nigerians feeling that it is a misplaced priority and a sign of the government’s disconnection from the country’s pressing issues. The move has sparked a national conversation about the role of government and the priorities of the country’s leaders. Many Nigerians are asking why the government is focusing on changing the national anthem when there are more pressing issues that need attention. They feel that the government should be working to address the country’s security challenges, improve the economy, and provide better education and healthcare for citizens.
In conclusion, the decision to revert to the old national anthem has been met with widespread criticism, with many Nigerians feeling that it is a misplaced priority. The government should focus on addressing the country’s pressing issues rather than changing the national anthem. The move has sparked a national conversation about the role of government and the priorities of the country’s leaders, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the criticism.
