NewsNigeriaPoliticsMixed Public Reactions over Swift Revert to the Old National Anthem

On 29th May 2024, a wave of nostalgia washed over Nigeria as “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, once again became the country’s official anthem. President Bola Tinubu signed into law the bill to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem, which was dropped by the military government of Olusegun Obasanjo in 1978.

The old — and now current — national anthem was adopted in 1960, in the aftermath of Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule. It was written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria, and composed by Frances Berda, a Nigerian musician.

In 1978, the anthem was replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots,” composed by the Nigerian Police Band under the direction of Benedict E. Odiase (1934-2013). The newer anthem, which was seen as more modern and inclusive, has been the soundtrack of Nigeria’s journey through military rule and democratic transitions.

Despite its powerful message of unity and patriotism, some Nigerians have long felt a sentimental attachment to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, underscored by the readoption of the anthem.

The decision to bring back the old song adopted after Nigeria won independence on 1 October 1960, does not sit down well with several Nigerians. They have expressed outrage, questioning the government’s priorities amid the country’s numerous challenges.

“With all of the multifaceted issues we face,” said Reno Omokri, a sociopolitical analyst, “it seems like we have a lack of priorities when we major on such a settled issue as an anthem.”

Omokri expressed the thoughts of thousands of Nigerians who are left wondering why President Bola Tinubu and his political cronies would busy themselves by adopting a new national anthem for Nigeria while inflation and security crises roar.

Many others took to social media to express their discontent. “Changing the Nigerian national anthem written by a Nigerian, to the song written by colonizers is a stupid decision,” tweeted media communications specialist Fola Folayan, “And it’s shameful that nobody in the National Assembly thought to stand against it.”

The protest against the change goes beyond tweets, influential figures like activist Aisha Yesufu and a former minister of education, Oby Ezekwesili are determined to keep singing “Arise O Compatriots” at public events. Both are protesting against the government’s decision with the hashtag “#NotMyNationalAnthem” on X.

“The lawmakers and the President grievously breached the constitutional provisions and process for amendment of legislation and therefore cannot foist another national anthem on us,” said Ezekwesili. “I refuse to join them in the kangaroo act of violating the constitution.”

The debate extends beyond the lyrics themselves. The decision to revert to the old anthem, made within one week — exceptionally fast-paced for Nigeria, where most bills take several months to be considered — has raised questions about public participation and transparency in such matters.

“The process could have been more inclusive,” admits Nneka Odigwe, a college teacher in Abuja. “Consulting with the public would have fostered a sense of national ownership over the decision.”

While the response from the public has been overwhelmingly negative, government officials appear more welcoming towards the change. Supporters of the move argue that the old anthem evokes a sense of national pride and unity that marked Nigeria’s early years of independence

Tahir Mongunu, chairman of the parliamentary committee which pushed the bill through, defended the change, saying it was “apt, timely and important”. “It will undoubtedly inspire a zeal for patriotism and cooperation. It will promote cultural heritage. Changing the national anthem will chart a path to greater unity,” he said.

The director-general of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, has also backed the surprising comeback of the old song, describing its lyrics as “more impactful and more meaningful than the one that we just dumped.”

President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, hailed the readoption of the old anthem as one of the monumental achievements of President Tinubu as he clocked one year in office.

“Of all the significant things you have done, I think one of the most important is to take us back to our genealogy,” the Senate President remarked. “The genealogy of our birth that though we belong to different tribes, though we may have different tongues, in brotherhood we must stand. Whether in the field of battle or politics, we must hail Nigeria.”

The decision to revert to the old anthem comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to strengthen its national identity amidst enormous economic, security and political challenges. These challenges whose solutions are not yet in sight are the reason many Nigerians were jolted by the news of the National Assembly to pass a bill to resurrect the forgotten anthem.

However, the Nigerian government believes that reinstating the old anthem will help reignite a sense of national pride and unity. President Bola Tinubu said the anthem represented the beauty of Nigeria’s diversity. He also teased critics who questioned his priorities, saying that bringing back the 1960 anthem was his priority.