Opinion of some Nigerians on the New National Anthem
“Despite the bad economic situation in the country, it is disappointing to hear the present government engage themselves in such triviality as restoring the past national anthem. It shows that they are bereft of ideas. I won’t be surprised if I hear the amount of money they will vote into this. It is so unfortunate.” – Chinwe Onwuzuruigbo (Entrepreneur)
“In my case, whenever and wherever the National Anthem is called for, I shall continue to sing Arise O Compatriots as My National Anthem. 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. I refuse to join them in the Kangaroo Act of violating the Constitution.” -Oby Ezekwesili (Former Minister)
“Nigeria seems a test ground for all comers, When I heard this, I thought it was a huge joke until the national assembly endorsed it. It is a misplaced priority. There are more important issues to be addressed in the country such as insecurity, poor economy, unemployment, poor health care etc. The idea of prioritizing the old national anthem is uncalled for. – Uchechi Ekeh (Lawyer)
“I even though it is a new national anthem until my dad told me that the anthem is older than my grandfather. Are they trying to enthrone the past to the present? What use is it to us the youths. It should have been left in history books and archives. No wonder they have been recycling and succeeding themselves. I’m sure they don’t have any new ideas. – Doyin Ademola (Student)
“So, after reintroducing the old national anthem, what? Is it going to bring food to our table? Will it bring down the cost of fuel and food items? Will it exterminate unemployment and poverty? We have a set of unserious government.” – Ogheneove Lydia (Civil Servant)
“Let us watch them and see what comes out of it. Even though I love the old national anthem. But is it their priority or maybe, some people want to make money out of it as usual? Let us continue to watch and see.” – Ahmed Bello (Business man)
“So, the whole legislators sat down and deliberated on this and took it as an achievement? Anyway, I don’t have any problem wearing my old clothes. But people would always ask; is it the only clothes you have? Is this what occupies the minds of our leaders at this moment when many people are dying of hunger. Our leaders are wicked.” – Banager Friday (Clergy)
“It is a shame. It is a big shame. Let them continue to waste their time and our own time. God is watching them. I don’t even blame them. I blame our people who voted for them and rigged them in. In a few years’ time, they will come for a second tenure and our people will still vote or rig them in once again. And the suffering continues. New anthem my foot.” – Gladys Ordimi (Teacher)
