The Managing Director of UpdateAfrika Communications, Dr Joseph Effiong has described Nigeria’s government decision to revert to the old National Anthem as being insensitive to the masses’ plight.
President Bola Tinubu had on May 29, 2024 signed the National Anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” Bill 2024 into law.
Speaking on the rationale for the new anthem, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio said, “Henceforth, we will not refer to ourselves as dear compatriots, we will refer to ourselves as brothers and as we go forward in battle, whether in the field of sports, in the field of politics, we must hail Nigeria and so we are all saying today that Nigeria, we Hail thee.”
Sharing his thoughts, Effiong stated that the development could have waited till the economy is relatively stable and tension doused in the land.
He said that the national anthem should be the last thing on the mind of the decision makers, where there are other pressing issues biting on the public.
He recalled that inflation rate in the country has been on a growing spree in recent times, a situation he worried was rubbing of negatively on activities and humans.
He said the intention of government to foster brotherhood with the new anthem was unrealisable with present reality, adding that it will be difficult for love to thrive in a society where hunger rules
“We need some comfort and not orchestral.
It is only when the growling stomachs are filled that an anthem can be sung with true joy and laughter.
“The future of Nigeria hangs in the balance. President Tinubu must heed the cries of his people and take immediate action to address the nation’s food crisis. Hollow rhetoric and grand displays will do little to appease the rumbling bellies and parched throats of those suffering”, he expressed.
