- The re-introduced national anthem by the Nigerian government continues to generate reactions from all quarters
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio has come out to say that the old “Arise, O Compatriots” anthem caused insecurity and banditry in the country
- Nigerians were not reluctant to respond to Akpabio’s comments on the old national anthem
Mr Godswill Akpabio, president of the Nigerian Senate, drew the ire of Nigerians with the comments he made concerning the spate of banditry and insecurity in Nigeria, suggesting that a change of national anthem was the cause.
He made this statement during his visit to the Institute of Nigerian Legislative and Democratic on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, where he commended the significant bills passed by the legislature in recent times.
The first bill he highlighted was the Student Loan Bill, which was passed into law in order to provide for less privileged students in higher institutions, in his words, “As I speak to you, 30,000 students are already beneficiaries.”
He then spoke about the National Anthem Bill, which was signed into law on May 29. He debunked the viral notion of associating the “Nigeria, We Hail Thee!” with colonialism and implored people to look into the history of the re-introduced National Anthem.
He remarked that if we had continued with “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” since 1978, banditry and insecurity would probably not have existed in the country.
In his words, “If you take your neighbour as your brother, you probably would not have killed your brother.”
In addition, he stated that the National Anthem Bill is one of the 10th Assembly's most significant pieces of legislation.
Nigerians heavily criticise Akpabio for his anthem comments
Nigerians would, however, not have it, and they came down heavily on the Akwa Ibom senator for linking Nigeria’s insecurity problems to the national anthem. TheRadar compiled some of the comments below:
@Comr_lucky1 wrote: “These are the kind of leaders who hold sensitive positions and we expect positive changes to happen in this country, the joke is on Nigerians.”
Another X user, @iamcollinsopara commented: “Blaming banditry on the change of Nigeria's national anthem in 1978 is a ridiculous excuse that ignores the complex socio-political factors contributing to insecurity. It's irresponsible to attribute such serious issues to a symbolic change decades ago please.”
@DanielRegha wrote: “Nigeria wouldn't be hit by banditry if our National Anthem wasn't changed in 1978", what a disgrace! statement. How can leaders with this kind of mindset bring about positive impact/change? OK now that the National anthem has been changed, has the problem of insecurity reduced? No it hasn't, but our lawmaker thinks otherwise.”
@AdventurousAlec commented: “Another unfounded conspiracy theory. The change in the national anthem in 1978 had no connection to the current insecurity and banditry issues in Nigeria. The new anthem was adopted to reflect the country's transition from a military government to a civilian administration and to promote unity and national identity,”
“Banditry and insecurity are different issues. You guys should tackle poverty, unemployment, political instability, and social inequality. So please say something else.”
On the other hand, some people took the words of Senator Akpabio in another light; @onyeani_o wrote: “That is the greatest legislation by the Nigerian legislature ever. Kudos to our able and dynamic Senate President and our distinguished Senators. That single piece of legislation will turn around Nigeria fortunes.”
Similarly, @OlabisiLaw commented: “Yes, He is right. Only those who watched the video with an open mind can relate.”
Federal Government reacts to New York Times report on Nigeria's economy
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the report done by the New York Times publication, which analysed Nigeria's dire socio-economic conditions, provoked the federal government but impressed the citizens.
According to the report, Nigerians were experiencing the worst economic crisis in decades, with prices of food, medicine, and petrol too high for many to afford, and the government making it difficult for businesses operate.
