By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
Experts have critiqued President Bola Tinubu regarding the new national anthem, emphasizing that the anthem has no effect on the price of food.
Political analysts, Jideofor Adibe and Sani Yabagi shared their views on President Tinubu’s actions during an interview with the press on the commemoration of his first year in office. In the early hours of Wednesday, President Tinubu signed the new national anthem, ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’, into law.
The enactment of the bill by President Tinubu on Wednesday led to Nigeria replacing ‘Arise, O Compatriots’ with the new national anthem.
The experts raised doubts about the necessity of changing the national anthem at this crucial juncture, labeling it as “shadowboxing”.
Adibe remarked, “To me, this is shadow boxing. Is that the core issue? I believe they are neglecting the essence to pursue the superficial. What impact does it have? Does it alter the cost of food in the market?”
Commenting on the matter, Yabagi suggested that the national anthem issue was introduced as a form of solace for Nigerians amidst the economic challenges. He mentioned, “I perceive it as a means of giving us some respite. It serves as a platform to unveil some essence within the entity called Nigeria so that we can truly comprehend our identity.”
Nevertheless, he expressed apprehension that the old national anthem, to which the country has now returned, was composed by the colonial powers, stating, “We are the epitome of Africa, we should avoid introducing sentiments or elements that portray us differently.”
