ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Bola Tinubu has defended the government’s decision to re-introduce the old national anthem, ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’, amidst criticism describing it as a misplaced priority.
Punch reports that during a meeting with the Arewa Consultative Forum at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu emphasized that the reintroduction of the old national anthem is a valid priority, contrary to claims that it’s not.
When asked about the controversy, Tinubu said: “Let me allude to something that happened yesterday. The change of national anthem, ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’.
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“Some people say 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 also highlighted the importance of unity and diversity, saying: “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. As long as we are Nigerians and one family, we remain and protect our diversity and love one another as brothers and sisters.”
Meanwhile, the move has since sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians, who criticized it as a misplaced priority given the country’s dire economic situation, exacerbated by Tinubu’s policies of fuel subsidy removal and floating of the naira, which has led to hardship.
Despite the criticism, Tinubu remains committed to the decision, emphasizing the importance of unity and diversity in the country.