President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has defended the reintroduction of the old national anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” emphasizing that it is a priority for his administration. This decision, formalized by a recently signed bill, has sparked widespread criticism, but Tinubu remains steadfast.
During a meeting with the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu dismissed detractors, asserting the importance of the anthem’s return. “Let me allude to something that happened yesterday. The change of national anthem, ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’,” Tinubu said. “Some people say, okay… say what? Is that your priority? It’s my priority. I agree with the National Assembly. If they make law, I’ve got to obey that law, or we disagree openly and close the chapter.”
Tinubu underscored the significance of national unity, highlighting Nigeria’s diversity as a unique strength. “But the question of diversity. Who gave us the name Nigeria? Is it not Britain? Or somewhere? Have we changed our name? We are Nigerians. Our passport shows that,” he remarked. “As long as we are Nigerians and one family, we remain and protect our diversity and love one another as brothers and sisters.”
He further elaborated on the divine nature of Nigeria’s unity. “It is God Almighty that puts you in that particular place and makes you a member of that family. You have no control over it,” he said. Reflecting on his electoral campaign, he added, “When I came begging for votes, I didn’t say vote for me as a Yoruba man, I said vote for me as Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Lyrics to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee:
Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood, we stand,
Nigerians all, and proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign,
In peace or battle honour’d,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain.
O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request,
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed,
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.
