By Marvellous Nyang
May 29, 2024
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday signed a bill reinstating the national anthem “Nigeria We Hail Thee,” composed by a British expatriate and originally adopted at independence.
This anthem will replace “Arise O’ Compatriots.” The bill, introduced just last Thursday, was rapidly adopted without any legislative debate.
The move coincides with a period of significant economic decline during Tinubu’s first year in office, marked by inflation reaching a 28-year high of 33.20%.
Tinubu addressed parliament on Wednesday, as the economic crisis and deteriorating security continue to challenge the nation.
The independence anthem “Nigeria We Hail Thee” was repealed in 1978 by then-military head of state Olusegun Obasanjo, reportedly due to its association with British colonial rule.
The decision to revert to the old anthem has been met with incredulity by many Nigerians, who view it as a distraction from the country’s pressing issues.
“It is a waste of time,” said Cheta Nwanze, lead partner at SBM Intelligence.
“What is more important are inflation and security problems, that is what the government should squarely be looking at,” Nwaze said.
