President Tinubu revealed restoring Nigeria's old national anthem "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" was a priority, emphasizing unity, diversity, and his mandate as a leader for all Nigerians.
President Bola Tinubu has revealed that restoring Nigeria's old national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee," is a priority for his administration. The President made this disclosure during a meeting with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, May 30.
Addressing the ACF leaders, Tinubu acknowledged the criticism surrounding the decision to change the national anthem, stating, "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."
The President emphasized the importance of protecting and celebrating Nigeria's diversity, rejecting the notion that the country's population should be seen as a burden. "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. 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," Tinubu said.
Tinubu also reflected on his campaign approach, emphasizing that he sought votes from Nigerians as a whole, rather than appealing to specific ethnic or regional groups. "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," he stated.
The decision to restore the old national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee," has been a long-standing desire for Tinubu. In 2022, he expressed his intention to bring back the anthem "if I have my way." On May 29, shortly after his inauguration, Tinubu enacted the legislation that officially returned the old national anthem.
However, many Nigerians believe Tinubu's priorities are misplaced, accusing him of using the national anthem change to distract from pressing issues on the ground.
