There has been a wide condemnation on social media as President Bola Tinubu signed into law the bill to revert to the old national anthem.
President Tinubu approved the bill on Wednesday morning as part of the constitutional provisions to make it a law.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, disclosed this while addressing lawmakers at the ongoing joint session of the National Assembly.
The bill seeks to replace the current anthem with the former one adopted as the country’s independence on October 1, 1960, but was changed in 1978 by the Olusegun Obasanjo military regime.
The Senate passed the bill on Tuesday while the House of Representatives passed it last Thursday.
In his address at the joint sitting, the senate president urged Nigerians to familiarise themselves with the new national anthem.
The new national anthem was sung upon President Tinubu’s arrival in the House chamber for the joint session.
However, scores of Nigerians have taken to their social media handles to react to the development.
While some have welcomed the move, others have expressed disappointment and frustration.
Critics like @iamcollinsopora and @Selfmadeceleb3 have described the move as a waste of time and resources, given the pressing issues like hunger, poverty, and insecurity facing the nation. They argue that the focus should be on addressing these challenges rather than revisiting the national anthem.
Some individuals, like @Dreyyfx, have praised the move, citing the positive meaning and significance of the old anthem. Others, like @avelass, have expressed happiness at the return of the familiar tune.
However, many have expressed skepticism and frustration, questioning the relevance of the national anthem to the everyday struggles of Nigerians. @Oseni Rufai and @NJ have asked for explanations on how the national anthem affects the lives of citizens, particularly during this critical time.
The debate continues, with some individuals like @Maxajee and @tosco4real66 wondering how the return of the old national anthem will solve the nation’s problems. As the conversation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the country moving forward.
See reactions below:
@Adeola Soetan: The Old National Anthem.
It’s not everything government does or wants to do that we should always condemn. Let’s support the return of old National Anthem since it’s going to bring back the old prices of foodstuff, ponmo, Titus, ojuyobo, ifun Eran, Ogufe. It may bring down prices of petrol/ltr, other petroleum products, bring down transport fares, electricity bills, cut drastically the cost of governance and looting.
It’s even possible that the fugitive Yaya Bello will dance out of his hidden hole anywhere he’s, be it in Aso Rock Villa, DSS office or Kogi state government lodge. Because the melody of the old national anthem is very danceable and can make him forget easily that he has a case of looting N80bn on his neck..
brightidika: Hope this anthem will solve all of Nigeria’s problems ranging from insecurity, hypertension, unemployment, tribal and religious bigotries to high exchange rates, high interest rate, multiple taxation etc.
n6oflife: Congrats to everyone who supported and brought this APC calamity upon Nigerians. 😎🙄🤡.
funnyhypemanoflagos: Tinubu don’t know what to do on that seat 💺 His just doing rubbish.
anifowose_omolade_: NYSC BatchB 1 go too suffer for camp 😂😂 ordinary NYSC anthem some of us no still sabi ham after 21days not to talk of this one 😂😂💔.
stunch4_5: I no even sabi recite the arise o compatriots unah change am to Nigeria we hail Who we Dey hail?
whitneyoec88:Â He should better return Nigeria the way he met her!
michaelz_edwardz: My humble advice, make una just quick dey learn am. Dem fit use am for interview for civil service jobs or visa application. In that country, everything and anything is possible 😂.
@avelass
We are very happy that the president has brought back the National Anthem we use to sing when we were younger – Senate
Me: Please bring back the price and cost of living we grew up with.
@Dreyyfx: bro this anthem has better meaning. look at it word to word. Asiwaju is making significant changes in our country. i hope this yield positivity in our nation so that Peter Obi and his fans can cry now till next 8 years to come.
@iamcollinsopora
This is outrageous!
With all the pressing issues like hunger, poverty and insecurity, reintroducing the old national anthem is a waste of time and resources.
Our leaders are clearly out of touch with the real needs of the Nigerian people
Tomato is scarce yet senate is passing bill on old national anthem. Can they talk about food inflation please and other issues that affect Nigerians – Oseni Rufai @ruffydfire
@tomi_waziri: Criminals in power. Made the life of everyone supporting APC be like the situation of Nigeria. Like and say amen
@AGINAS: Pls can somebody tell me how national anthem affects the lives of Nigerians at this critical time? NJ
@Selfmadeceleb3: Minimum wage yet to be implemented despite high cost of living but it’s old National anthem they’re so concerned about I don’t know why.
@Maxajee: How we go take sing this one now
@tosco4real66: How will this solve our problems as nation. I beg may person wey go school explain to me. Mboh
