Why we are changing the Nigeria national anthem — Akpabio

Why Nigeria We Hail Thee needs to be a thing — Godswill Akpabio defends the Senate’s controversial move to change the national anthem.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared the reintroduction of Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee,” as the beginning of a much-anticipated revolution in the country.

Speaking on Wednesday during a joint session of the National Assembly, Akpabio highlighted the symbolic move during the celebration of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s one-year anniversary.

Akpabio emphasized that the revival of the old anthem fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among Nigerians, transcending tribal and linguistic differences.

“The genealogy of our birth that though we belong to different tribes, though we may have different tongues, henceforth, we will not refer to ourselves as just compatriots, we will refer to ourselves as brothers and as we move forward in battle or on the field of sports or other endeavours, we must hail Nigeria,” Akpabio stated.

He praised President Tinubu’s leadership over the past year, noting the profound impact of reintroducing the anthem. “Of all the significant things you have done, there is one of the most profound things and that is to take us back to our genealogy,” he said.

Akpabio also commended Tinubu for visiting the National Assembly, describing it as a gesture of respect for the parliament.

“In Nollywood, what you have just done is what they call ‘waka pass’. You intend to celebrate Democracy Day on June 12, but out of honor and respect for the National Assembly, you said you must pass through the National Assembly on your first anniversary.”

President Tinubu, in his response, expressed gratitude towards the lawmakers for their support and cooperation. He lauded them as the leaders Nigeria has been seeking.

“I came to say thank you very much. You are first and foremost leaders that speak for our people. You have been in the forefront of this struggle. This institution of hallowed chambers represents our consciousness for freedom and sense of belonging.”

Tinubu also acknowledged the reintroduction of the old national anthem, calling it a symbol of Nigeria’s diversity. “You rolled out the latest National Anthem, Nigeria We Hail Thee. This is our diversity.”