Nigerians, particularly legal practitioners, have expressed their concerns over the reinstatement of the old national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee.”.
Recall that the old anthem was written by Lillian Jean Williams in 1959 and composed by Frances Berda when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960.
The anthem was replaced by the military government in 1978 with Arise O’ Compatriots.
President Bola Tinubu signed into law the bill to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee.”.
The new development sparked outrage as many Nigerians claimed that the country’s national anthem was changed without public debate, seeking the views of the people, or providing platforms for the people to voice their concerns.
Misbau Lateef, a doctor of law, while reacting to the development, told WITHIN NIGERIA that mixed reactions to the restoration of the old anthem are a testament to the strong sentiments attached to the national anthem of the country.
Lateef, who disclosed that a national anthem serves as a unifying symbol for a country, claimed that changing them can be a very sensitive issue to deal with.
“We have so far seen the restoration polarize the old and new generations of Nigerians. Going forward, I think governments and decision-makers should consider the sentiments of all generations and groups within the country when making such changes,” Lateef added.
Another lawyer identified as Chidera Eze told WITHIN NIGERIA that the national anthem has no effect on the core issues facing Nigeria as a country.
According to Eze, all employers will now use the same as a condition precedent to employment, and if a prospective employee fails to recite the same properly, that is how a job would go.
“Nigeria is not going forward with these sets of politicians; there is a hike in prices of consumable goods in the markets; there is no good road; there are no good health care services across the country; there are no good drinkable waters; nothing is working, and a group of people whom we voted for either by omission or by commission are seeing the change of the national anthem as one of the core issues facing Nigeria; what remains now is to change the national flag,” Eze decried.
J.J. Amusan told WITHIN NIGERIA that he has always loved the old national anthem because it speaks to our national unity as a country.
Amusan, while asking people to put aside the shortcomings of the current government and its handlers, stated that the anthem is, in all senses, better than the one that came after it.
“The anthem represents our national unity and inspires patriotism in the people. I have always had a strong connection to it,” Amusan added.
Amusan while narrating how the anthem was a preference whenever they went to struggle during his days, said it wasn’t just about rebelling against the status quo but about the inspiration and nostalgia this anthem evokes.
“While some people criticize the government for not consulting the public before making the change, I believe it’s essential to hold onto symbols of our national identity that unite us. For me, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” is one such symbol. Its message of unity, peace, and prosperity is just as relevant today as it was when it was first adopted in 1960,” he further stated.
A political analyst, Folu, told WITHIN NIGERIA that changing the national anthem is a symbolic action. In periods of extreme poverty and unpredictability, such as we have right now in Nigeria, it may seem inappropriate to alter the national anthem.
Despite their potential for inspiration, symbolic actions do nothing to alleviate pressing problems like hunger, violence, and unstable economies. The impacted populace may be better served and elevated if resources are prioritized for observable changes, he added.
For Ken Eneduwa, the principal partner of Oceanwaves Strategies Inc., it would have been better if the federal government considered Great Nation, a song composed by Timi Dakolo, as the new anthem.
Eneduwa applauded the decision of the lower chamber of the National Assembly to replace the current anthem because it does not reflect the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians across divides.
He suggested to the national assembly to jettison the idea of adopting the old anthem, saying the majority of the younger generation cannot align with it, unlike the beautiful one composed by Timi Dakolo.
According to Eneduwa, the old anthem was authored and composed by the Britons, which would likely raise the argument that Nigeria, a sovereign nation, is still relying on her colonial masters.
Eneduwa added that a song titled ‘Great Nation’ composed by Timi Dakolo reflects the wishes and aspirations of every Nigerian and a true understanding of the differences we shared and admired in unison.
Dakolo’s song is very inspiring; it evokes emotion, and it’s exceedingly motivating. It is a call for service, mutual respect, and admiration of differences. The song accommodates every sentiment and bias that make up the country, and I strongly believe that it would surely be a positive choice for us all, he added.