President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Anthem Bill, reviving the traditional Nigerian anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee…”.
This decision comes despite significant opposition from various quarters of the Nigerian populace.
The announcement was made by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday.
Akpabio revealed that President Tinubu had approved the bill, marking a significant shift in the country’s anthem.
However, the President’s decision to sign the bill was accompanied by the cancellation of his planned address to the National Assembly.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas disclosed that the cancellation was due to the significance of June 12 as the official Democracy Day in Nigeria.
The reinstatement of the old anthem has elicited mixed reactions across the nation, with some expressing nostalgia for the familiar lyrics, while others question the need for such a change.
Critics argue that the decision undermines the progress made in fostering national unity through the previous anthem.
The National Assembly’s leadership has yet to provide further details regarding the implications and implementation of the new law. As the country awaits additional information, discussions surrounding the anthem’s symbolism, historical context, and cultural significance are likely to continue.
This development marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s cultural and political landscape, as the nation grapples with its identity and aspirations for the future.