Former Minister of Education, Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, announced that she will not revert to the old national anthem, which was recently designated as the new anthem by President Bola Tinubu. She shared this in a post on her X handle on Wednesday.
She stated that her right to dissent cannot be suppressed by what she termed an “obnoxious law” that she believes is offensive to those of good conscience in Nigeria.
She said, “Let it be known to all and sundry that I, Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, will, whenever asked to sing the Nigerian National Anthem, sing:
“Verse 1. Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey
“To serve our fatherland
“With love and strength and faith
“The labor 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, “Verse 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.
Note that both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the National Anthem Bill 2024, which sought to reinstate the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” President Bola Tinubu quickly signed it into law, making it the new anthem.
The bill to change the national anthem back to the old one sparked controversy in the House of Representatives. The bill’s promoter, Julius Ihonvbere, argued it was necessary for patriotism and nationalism. The 10th Senate, led by Senator Godswill Akpabio, passed the bill after reviewing a report from Tahir Monguno, the Lawmaker for Borno North and Chair of the Judiciary Committee.
