Nigerians Criticize Government’s Decision to Reinstate Old National Anthem as Misplaced Priority

The government’s decision to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem has sparked a range of reactions among Nigerians.

President Bola Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 on Wednesday, reinstating the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” and replacing “Arise, O Compatriots.” The former anthem was used from 1960, when Nigeria gained independence until it was replaced in 1978.

Reacting to the news, former Minister of Education, Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, stated on X.com that she would not revert to the old national anthem, describing the law as “obnoxious” and repugnant to those of good conscience in Nigeria.

Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their displeasure with the new law. One user, Abiola, commented, “What will this return to the old anthem do to Nigeria and Nigerians? Why are they quick to pass this bill into law?”

Lawrence Ohineme, another user, noted, “It appears that this government wants to distract Nigerians from focusing on the hardship they are battling with by forcing us to learn an old national anthem. This is a misplacement of priorities.”

Similarly, Sam Fomwul asked, “How is this supposed to improve the welfare of the masses?”

Another user, charlycity, wrote, “Nigerians never agreed to this; the Reps and senators never consulted with their constituencies before going ahead with this retrogressive and inconsequential bill.”

Gbenga Akeju questioned, “Why go back to the old national anthem when we can ask our creative songwriters to give us something better than the existing old anthems?”

Kingsley Ibietela also queried, “Please, can you guys hurry like this and bring back the 1963 constitution?”

On Facebook, Adegboyega Adeyemi criticized the move, writing, “This is nothing but a backward integration. When will Nigeria be free from colonial mentality? Here, we are sacrificing a homegrown national anthem for a colonially imposed one.”

Nelson Oriarebun commented, “This particular move by this government simply tells you that they don’t have regard for the opinions of Nigerians on any issue, because based on popular opinion, changing the national anthem is not our priority for now, and it’s not the reason why Nigeria is not working.”

Olayemi Salami wrote, “I’m 42 years old now; it took me 40 years to learn our national anthem, and now you’re introducing a new one, which will take me another 40 years to learn. God will judge you people.”

Despite the criticisms, one user, Simeon Simeon, supported the change, describing it as a positive move. He wrote, “A welcomed development. I have always said if I were president, I would change the Arise o compatriots thing. Thank you, Mr. President, for a clear vision.”

Yaagboyaaju reported that many Nigerians on social media questioned the relevance of reverting to the old national anthem, wondering if it would help address the nation’s pressing economic challenges.