Nigeria has stirred controversy by reinstating a national anthem it discarded nearly five decades ago. The abrupt decision, made by lawmakers without public consultation, has drawn widespread criticism.
President Bola Tinubu signed the law on Wednesday, one day after both chambers of Nigeria’s national assembly—dominated by his party—approved the change. The bill's rapid passage, taking less than a week, contrasts sharply with the lengthy process usually required for significant legislation.
The economic context adds to the controversy. Tinubu's first year in office has seen Nigeria’s economy plummet, with inflation reaching a 28-year high of 33.2%. Critics argue the anthem change is a diversion from more pressing issues like economic instability and security.
The reintroduced anthem, titled "Nigeria, We Hail Thee," was Nigeria’s original anthem from 1960, when the country gained independence from Britain. Written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate, it was replaced in 1978 by "Arise, O Compatriots" under the military regime of Olusegun Obasanjo. The latter anthem, composed post-civil war, encourages Nigerians to serve their country with dedication and honor.
The sudden change has been met with incredulity and criticism. Cheta Nwanze of SBM Intelligence dismissed it as a distraction from critical issues like inflation and security. Former education minister and presidential candidate Oby Ezekwesili condemned the lack of public input and the return to an anthem with colonial undertones, calling it "a waste of time."
Supporters of the new law argue that it corrects the wrong of having a military-imposed anthem. Public affairs analyst Frank Tietie stated that national anthems are ideological tools and criticized the military’s alteration of the anthem.
The legislative process for this change has also raised eyebrows. The lower house debated and approved the bill in a single day, and the upper house followed suit just days later. Analysts like Afolabi Adekaiyaoja pointed out the unusual speed of the change, especially during a severe economic crisis, and highlighted the lack of public engagement as a failure of legislative accountability.
Nigeria’s decision to revert to its original national anthem has sparked significant controversy, highlighting concerns about legislative priorities, public consultation, and the broader context of the country’s economic and security challenges.
Source: The Guardian
