Adoption Of Old Anthem A Giant Step Backwards, I Am Sad – Reno Omokri
In a move that has sparked widespread debate, the Nigerian government has reinstated the country’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” despite significant public outcry and legislative tumult. The decision, which overturns the use of the post-independence anthem “Arise, O Compatriots,” was finalized when President Tinubu signed the bill into law on Wednesday, following its passage by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The reinstatement of the colonial-era anthem, composed by Lillian Jean Williams, has been met with criticism from various quarters, including Reno Omokri, a sociopolitical activist and former presidential aide. Omokri lambasted the move as a regressive step, undermining the nation’s progress and identity. He highlighted the incongruity of reverting to an anthem penned by a foreigner, especially given Nigeria’s rich musical heritage and the symbolic importance of national symbols.
The controversy has been further fueled by the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi’s plea to the National Assembly to reconsider the bill, emphasizing that such a significant change should not be decided solely through legislative debate.
Omokri’s poignant critique on his official social media handle underscored the emotional weight of the issue, stating, “My heart is very heavy about Nigeria right now because, in my opinion, we just took a giant step backwards in our national journey.”
The activist’s call for introspection and a return to indigenous symbols resonates with a segment of the population that views the adoption of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as a step away from the country’s quest for a unique and self-defined identity. Omokri’s reference to the renaming of Lagos from its original name, Eko, and the suggestion to rename the country itself, reflect a broader discourse on decolonization and national rebranding.
As the nation grapples with this controversial change, the echoes of Omokri’s challenge to find another nation whose anthem is authored by a foreigner reverberate, questioning the authenticity of Nigeria’s representation in its most patriotic song.
