THE former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has stated that she would not revert to the old national anthem, newly signed by President Bola Tinubu as the country’s new anthem.
Ezekwesili made this disclosure in a post on her X handle today.
According to her, no one can suppress her right to dissent from what she described as an “obnoxious law” repugnant to all who are of good conscience in Nigeria.
The ex-minister said, “Let it be known to all and sundry that I, Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, will, whenever asked to sing the Nigerian National Anthem, sing:
“1. 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.”
She added, “2. Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause
“Guide our leader’s right
“Help our youth the truth to know
“In love and honesty to grow
“And living just and true
“Great lofty heights attain
“To build a nation where peace and justice reign.
Recall that the Senate and House of Representatives quickly passed the National Anthem Bill 2024, which sought to reintroduce the former anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
The bill’s sponsor, Julius Ihonvbere, grounded his argument in the lower chamber on the need for patriotism and nationalism.
The lawmaker representing Borno North Senatorial District and chair of the Judiciary Committee, Tahir Monguno, presented a report to the 10th Senate, which passed the bill.
However, many Nigerians on social media questioned the relevance of the move, wondering if it would help recover the nation’s economy, which is currently Nigeria’s most pressing concern.
Similarly, Ahmad Satomi, a member from Borno State’s Jere Federal Constituency, challenged the Green Chamber on the bill last week.
Satomi questioned the bill’s relevance to Nigeria’s real challenges, resulting in widespread discussion and debate.
