Senate President Godwin Akpabio has said that the recently reintroduced old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” could have addressed the current challenges of banditry and insecurity in the country, if it had been retained.
Akpabio made these remarks during a visit to the Nigeria Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies in Abuja on Tuesday.
He defended the decision to revive the anthem, originally introduced in 1960 after Nigeria gained independence but later replaced with “Arise, O Compatriots” in 1978.
The reintroduction of the anthem by President Bola Tinubu on May 29 followed swift passage by both the House of Representatives and Senate, but it sparked criticism from citizens who called for broader consultations before reverting to what some labeled a “colonial” anthem.
Responding to criticisms, Akpabio challenged the notion that the anthem represents colonialism, citing historical context: “A lot of people are not aware that there was a panel set up and made up of Nigerians to receive input from all over the world in 1959.”
He emphasized the anthem’s potential to foster unity and love among Nigerians.
“Tinubu said the reintroduced anthem reflects the country’s diversity and unity,” Akpabio noted, echoing the President’s sentiments.
Akpabio further asserted, “If we had kept to that anthem, we probably would not have banditry today in Nigeria because if you take your neighbour as your brother, you will not want to kill him.”
He described the reintroduction of the anthem as “an impactful bill” capable of addressing the nation’s security challenges.
The reintroduction of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” is viewed by proponents as a symbolic step towards national unity and cohesion, aimed at bridging cultural divides and fostering a sense of collective identity.