News

Tinubu Under Fire Over National Anthem Bill, Says ‘Hungry People Don’t Sing

Published

9 months ago

May 29, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Some Nigerians have expressed outrage over the bill President Bola Tinubu signed into law on Wednesday morning.

The bill, which was simultaneously introduced in the Senate and the House of Representatives last week, received an accelerated consideration and passage.

The speed with which both chambers of the National Assembly considered and passed the bill at a time Nigerians are facing more pressing issues occasioned by rising inflation and security challenges, has been criticised.

While launching the National Anthem at the National Assembly, Tinubu commended the lawmakers.

““Please, let’s continue to collaborate and build our country. We have no other institutions or personality that will help us unless we do it ourselves. Let us work together to build our nation not only for us but generations yet unborn”, he said.

‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’, composed by the Britons, was the national anthem of Nigeria used from Independence in 1960 until 1978, when it was replaced by a new anthem, ‘Arise, O Compatriots.’

But with the new law, ‘Arise, O Compatriots’, will give way for ‘Nigeria, we hail Thee’.

While a few persons have commended the president for signing it into law, others see it as a mispriority.

On X, a social media user, @Zarmaomar, wrote: “The long-awaited national anthem bill that will solve the issues of insecurity, hunger, corruption and create job opportunities has been officially signed by the President…”

@Mudiaga247 said: “How does signing this bill help the Drowning Economy

@KennyNuga: “Misplaced priority . we need laws mandating all vehicles to shift off the road when an Ambulance is approaching. we need laws that criminalize bullying in our institutions.”

@RealQueenBee_: “This will now be an achievement for the Tinubu administration, reverting back to the colonial anthem.”
@Ikepicano: “did he know what he signed?”

@PatoEner: “This government is never implementing policies that would alleviate the poverty in the economy. Or do they think hungry people sing the national anthem?”

@DoublePrince001: “Within 7 days it was sorted….. Let’s talk about minimum wage or what will benefit Nigerians… It will take months and years.”

@iam_damayor: “Congratulations Nigerians, we now have a new National Anthem. When you want to buy anything, just recite it and you get the 2015 price of that goods/service.”

@That_Ondo_Boy: “As for me, I’m in support of this Old National Anthem ooo. Tinubu you do this one oooo. Now, lets sign to bill the old exchange rate, old food price to as at the time of the old National Anthem.”

Analysts, CSOs fault bill

In an interview with Daily Trust, analysts and civil society organisations argued that the resolution of the National Assembly to revert to the old National Anthem was a misplacement of priority, and also a sign of disconnection with reality.

The Country Director of Action Aid Nigeria (AAN), Mr. Andrew Mamedu, in an interview with Daily Trust, said the bill to revert to the old National Anthem “is an absolute misplacement of priorities and an abuse of legislative privilege, especially given the numerous pressing issues facing the nation that remain unaddressed”.

He stated: “While the National Anthem is a symbol of our heritage, the urgent and concurrent approval of this bill stands in stark contrast to the lack of prioritisation and accelerated legislative action on critical national matters. Issues such as security, economic stability, education, healthcare and infrastructure development are in dire need of attention and resources.

“It is profoundly disappointing and frankly outrageous that the National Anthem is being prioritised over these vital concerns”, he stressed.

Similarly, Yiaga Africa’s Senior Communications Officer, Mr. Mark Amaza, told one of our correspondents that the actions of the federal lawmakers on the issue were “a misplacement of priorities”.

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with our current National Anthem that warrants a change. Not only that, this episode shows how disconnected our legislators are from the challenges of Nigeria that at this critical juncture, they chose to prioritise a needless return to our former National Anthem”, Amaza said.

The Executive Director, Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, also decried that Nigeria continued to exhibit a disturbing trend of misplaced priorities.

According to him, it is disheartening to see the nation trapped in a cycle of ineffective leadership.

“Our senators, elected to represent the masses, seem disconnected from the pressing needs of the people. Who among the citizens indicated that changing the National Anthem was a priority?

“Nigerians are hungry, angry, and deeply disappointed. Trust in the government is at an all-time low.

“Changing the National Anthem does not address the urgent issues we face: it doesn’t put food on our tables, create jobs, improve security, provide reliable electricity, clean water, good roads, or quality healthcare,” Zikirullahi said.

On his part, a former senator from Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Sani, said the parliament should have consulted widely before tampering with the National Anthem.

He said that altering the National Anthem without wide consultations would be seen as an attempt to dissolve Nigeria.

Commenting on his X handle, the former lawmaker said: “Tempering with or changing the National Anthem or National Pledge of Nigeria should be done after wider public consultation and should be factored in the process of constitutional amendments.”

A seasoned journalist and former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Is’haq Modibbo Kawu, also faulted the lawmakers’ decision to reintroduce the old National Anthem.
He said: “The excessive embrace of the past is part of the metaphysical nostalgia that refused to appreciate the political economic choices and wrong leadership recruitment processes that led us to the deep pit we have been dug into.

“Instead of searching for far more rational and scientifically relevant instruments of problem solving, our lawmakers think an empty gesture of nostalgia offers an easy route.

“There is also an unacceptable demographic tyranny that Opeyemi Bamidele and his colleagues are attempting to impose on Nigeria, with the plan to revert to the old National Anthem. It is an anthem that would resonate with the generation born before independence and maybe immediately after. Let us unpack the facts”, he said in an opinion article published in Daily Trust on Saturday.

Lawmakers’ move in order – NOA DG

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Oninlu, said even though the bill was yet to become a law, the move was not a bad one.
“You see, there is so much in words that we speak and we hear. So, in communication, the impact of our statement resonates with us. There are some anthems that you listen to and then you see a call to it. They call you to action. They ask you to act and do certain things. And there are some that are just flags that are just like any other song.

“And anytime you sing them, you don’t feel any psychological attachment. No any feeling. It doesn’t call up any passion in you. It doesn’t really speak to your emotion, and doesn’t call up to your sentiment.

“And it’s important that you have an anthem that connects with your sentiment; that calls you to action so that when carrying out those actions, the impact of the anthem will now reflect in our lives”, he said in an interview on Trust TV’s Daily Politics.

Senate, Reps’ spokespersons silent

Efforts to get reactions of the spokespersons of the two chambers of the National Assembly were unsuccessful.

News

NNPCL Reaffirms Commitment to National Development

Published

2 minutes ago

March 2, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reiterated its commitment to adding value across various sectors and communities in the country.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement with the National Assembly Press Corps on Saturday in Abuja, the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye,emphasised the crucial role of the oil sector in Nigeria’s economic and social growth.

He assured that NNPCL was dedicated to more than just supplying fuel but also contributing to national development.

Shoneye stated: “I’m glad to have you here again at this stakeholder engagement proudly sponsored by NNPC.

“It is truly heartwarming to see how it has brought us together. At NNPC, we believe in fueling not just vehicles but also meaningful moments like this. Tonight is another night that NNPCL will successfully power laughter and great partnerships”.

Reaffirming NNPCL’s dedication to national progress, Soneye showcased various initiatives aimed at improving lives across the country.

He pointed to the impact of the NNPC Foundation, which recently facilitated 1,000 free cataract surgeries in the Southwest, restoring vision to many beneficiaries.

He also revealed NNPCL’s partnership with Afreximbank to finalize the African Medical Center of Excellence (AMCE), a 500-bed facility focused on oncology, hematology, cardiology, and advanced medical training for Nigerians.

“We are set to perform another 1,000 surgeries in the North and an additional 1,000 in the Southeast and South-South before the end of the second quarter of 2025.

“This strategic investment aims to enhance access to specialized healthcare, ensuring that Nigerians receive world-class medical treatment. The AMCE is scheduled to commence operations in June 2025,” Soneye disclosed.

NNPCL provided an update on its Medical Hospital in Abuja, which treated 122,483 patients in 2024 alone. The facility has been crucial in delivering emergency care to accident victims and offering essential medical services, including radiology, physiotherapy, maternity care, dental and eye treatments, and life-saving surgeries.

“Across Nigeria, NNPC hospitals continue to play a pivotal role in improving healthcare access and saving lives. This is a direct demonstration of how NNPC is utilizing oil revenues to positively impact the lives of Nigerians on a daily basis”, he added.

Shoneye emphasised that oil is not just a commodity but the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, driving industrialization, employment, and national development.

He further highlighted the vital role of oil in everyday life, from powering homes and transportation to serving as a foundation for industries such as plastics, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.

“For nations like Nigeria, oil fuels transportation, powers industries, and generates revenues that support national growth.

“Without oil, modern life as we know it would be vastly different,” he added.

He reaffirmed NNPCL’s commitment to energy accessibility and economic stability, he stressed the company’s focus on responsible resource management.

Shoneye therefore urged stakeholders to drive policies and innovations that will secure Nigeria’s future.

“At NNPC Ltd., we remain committed to ensuring energy accessibility, economic stability, and fostering global partnerships that strengthen the oil industry for the benefit of our people.

“Together, we must continue to drive policies and innovations that secure the prosperity of our dear country,” he stated.

The event provided a platform for discussions on the oil industry’s role in national development and NNPCL’s social impact initiatives