Former Minister of Education, Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, has publicly declared that she will not sing Nigeria’s newly adopted national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”.
This proclamation comes in response to President Bola Tinubu’s confirmation of the new anthem as the nation’s official anthem.
Taking to social media platform X, Ezekwesili emphasized her commitment to the previous national anthem, “Arise, O compatriots”. She wrote, “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.
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.
Ezekwesili, a respected voice in Nigerian politics and civil society, articulated her stance further, stating, “This is my own National Anthem and let it be known that no one can suppress my right to dissent an obnoxious ‘law’ that is repugnant to all that is of good conscience in Nigeria. Whatever else is #NotMyNationalAnthem.”
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their support or opposition to Ezekwesili’s stance, highlighting the contentious nature of the anthem change.
However, the decision to adopt “Nigeria, we hail thee” marks a significant shift in the country’s national symbols and has been met with mixed reactions.