The decision by the government to revert to the old national anthem in Nigeria has sparked a range of reactions among Nigerians.
President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, signed the National Anthem Bill 2024, seeking to reinstate the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” into law, shifting from the “Arise, O Compatriots.”
The “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” anthem was used from 1960, when Nigeria gained independence, until it was replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots” in 1978.
Reacting to the news of the reinstatement of the old national anthem on X.com, one Abiola, who uses the handle #AbiolaMaylaw on X.com, wrote, “What will this return to the old anthem do to Nigeria and Nigerians? Why are they quick to pass this bill into law?”
@Mudiaga247 said: “How does signing this bill help the Drowning Economy.”
@KennyNuga: “Misplaced priority . we need laws mandating all vehicles to shift off the road when an Ambulance is approaching. we need laws that criminalize bullying in our institutions.”
Another tweep, Lawrence Ohineme, who identifies as #LOhineme, commented, “It appears that this government wants to distract Nigerians from focusing on the hardship they are battling with by forcing us to learn an old national anthem. This is a misplacement of priorities.”
Similarly, #SamFomwul, who tweets anonymously, asked, “How is this supposed to improve the welfare of the masses? Na wa oh!”
@RealQueenBee_: “This will now be an achievement for the Tinubu administration, reverting back to the colonial anthem.”
@Ikepicano: “did he know what he signed?”
@PatoEner: “This government is never implementing policies that would alleviate the poverty in the economy. Or do they think hungry people sing the national anthem?”
@That_Ondo_Boy: “As for me, I’m in support of this Old National Anthem ooo. Tinubu you do this one oooo. Now, lets sign to bill the old exchange rate, old food price to as at the time of the old National Anthem.”
@DoublePrince001: “Within 7 days it was sorted….. Let’s talk about minimum wage or what will benefit Nigerians… It will take months and years.”
Kingsley Ibietela, tweeting with the handle #Iamkingsleyf, also asked, “Please, can you guys hurry like this and bring back the 1963 constitution?”
On Facebook, Adegboyega Adeyemi wrote, “This is nothing but a backward integration. When will Nigeria be free from colonial mentality? Here, we are sacrificing a homegrown national anthem for a colonially imposed national anthem.”
Nelson Oriarebun commented, “This particular move by this government simply tells you that they don’t have regard for the opinions of Nigerians on any issue, because based on popular opinion, changing the national anthem is not our priority for now, and it’s not the reason why Nigeria is not working.”
Olayemi Salami wrote, “I’m 42 years old now; it took me 40 years to learn our national anthem, and now you’re introducing a new one, which will take me another 40 years to learn. God will judge you people.”
Despite the multitude of knocks trailing the new law, one Simeon Simeon on Facebook had a different opinion as he supported the change, describing it as a positive move.
He wrote, “A welcomed development. I have always said if I were president, I would change the Arise o compatriots thing. Thank you, Mr. President for a clear vision.”