Nigerians were surprised by a swift government decision to bring back the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” This change replaced the current anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots,” which had been in place since 1978.
The switch happened in just a few days: the House of Representatives passed a bill on May 23rd, the Senate followed suit a few days later, and President Tinubu signed it into law on May 29th, 2024.
This move sparked criticism from many Nigerian celebrities on social media. They felt the government’s priorities were misplaced.
Instead of focusing on changing the national anthem, celebrities argued that the government should tackle more pressing issues like insecurity, unemployment, and the struggling economy.
See some of their reactions below:
Adekunle Gold wrote: “No one thought Timi Dakolo’s Great Nation makes a better anthem?”
Kate Henshaw: “In the midst of excoriating hardship & lack of good governance on every level, but not to worry, going back to a colonial anthem will be a soothing balm and inject patriotism back into our veins, a much-needed drug.”
Illbliss wrote: “Of all things to address….. The f***ing National Anthem. At this point, they can change the flag to purple and burgundy, shoot the horses on the coat of arms, and let the dead eagle 🦅take flight. Really sick of the incompetence.”
Noble Igwe wrote: “Exchange rate is skyrocketing, cost of living is so high, insecurity in many parts of the country but one year in office, however, let’s change the national anthem.
This is so sad and shameful.”
Toolz wrote: “I’m not learning any other national anthem…”
Charly Boy wrote: “Animals in Agbada fit make me start to sing our olden days National Anthem, imposicant. Vagabonds in power wan distract us from hunger, kidnapping, high cost of living by organizing useless priorities for us to follow so we no go dey talk as e dey pain us?
Who no know say APC na monumental failure in the history of politics for Naija. If one-year dey like dis, imagine how many of us go kpai in the nxt 3yrs. Nonsense. Dia fathers.”
Joeboy wrote: “Of all the problems Nigerians have to deal with, changing the national anthem is priority? Okay naw.”
Teni wrote: “Arise o compatriots, I’ll miss you, thank you for so many childhood memories. Till we meet again, love, SM.”
Lastly, Erigga wrote: “Now that we have the old national anthem, can we now have the old price for foodstuff and dollar?”
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