The decision to reinstate the old National Anthem was not a sudden move, but rather a long-held desire of the President Bola Tinubu.
A few hours ago, Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024, reintroducing the old national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”, replacing the current “Arise O Compatriot.”
The move has sparked mixed reactions, with many Nigerians questioning the timing of the change amidst pressing national issues.
A resurfaced video from October 2, 2022, showed Tinubu revealing his fondness for the old national anthem during a TV interview with Seye Oyetade on the program “Matters Of Heritage.”
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At the time, he stated that if he had the opportunity, he would bring back the original anthem, citing its emphasis on unity, service, diversity, and commitment as essential values for nation-building.
The Presidential believed that “We must guard our democracy jealously.
“We have one Nigeria, and we should be proud of our heritage. If I had my way, I would bring back our old first national anthem. That described us much better.”
He added that the old National Anthem is “about service, it’s about diversity, it’s about commitment.”
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