Nigeria's Shift to Briton-Written Anthem Sparks Backlash After Law Passes

Nigeria has officially adopted a new national anthem, a move that has sparked a mix of criticism and support across the nation. The change came swiftly as President Bola Tinubu signed into law the replacement of the "Arise, O Compatriots" anthem with "Nigeria We Hail Thee," a version previously used but discarded nearly fifty years ago. This legislative action, completed in less than a week by Nigeria's National Assembly, has raised eyebrows due to the rapid pace at which it was conducted, bypassing the usual weeks or months of consideration for significant bills.

The replaced anthem, in use since 1978 following its introduction by the military government, was a call to Nigerians to serve their fatherland with love and strength. It emerged in a period marked by the aftermath of a deadly civil war. In contrast, "Nigeria We Hail Thee," penned by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate residing in Nigeria at the time, was first introduced in 1960 as the country celebrated its independence from Britain.

The unveiling of the new anthem coincided with President Tinubu marking his first year in office, during which it was played publicly for the first time at a legislative session he attended. However, this change has not been universally welcomed. On social media platforms, many Nigerians expressed their reluctance to embrace the new anthem. Among them is Oby Ezekwesili, a former education minister and presidential aspirant, who criticized the political class for choosing an anthem with colonial undertones and words like "Native Land" and "Tribes" without public consent.

Despite these criticisms, there are voices in support of abandoning an anthem introduced by the military. Public affairs analyst Frank Tietie highlighted anthems as ideological recitations that focus the populace, deeming it unfortunate that the military had altered the national anthem previously.

This decision to revert to an older version of the national anthem underscores ongoing debates about national identity, colonial legacies, and the role of public opinion in legislative processes in Nigeria. As discussions continue both online and offline, it remains clear that national symbols such as anthems hold significant weight in shaping and reflecting national unity and values.