Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has firmly stated her refusal to revert to the old Nigerian National Anthem, which was reinstated by President Bola Tinubu through a law signed on Wednesday. Expressing her defiance, Ezekwesili posted on her X (formerly Twitter) account the same day, declaring that she would continue to sing the current national anthem, “Arise, O compatriots,” whenever required to do so.
In her post, Ezekwesili emphasized her commitment by sharing the lyrics of the national anthem and asserting her unwavering stance:
“Let it be known to all and sundry that I, Obiageli ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili, shall whenever asked to sing the Nigerian National Anthem, sing:
Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey,
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith.
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain.
To serve with heart and might,
One nation bound in freedom, peace, and unity.
Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause,
Guide our leaders right,
Help our youth the truth to know,
In love and honesty to grow,
And living just and true,
Great lofty heights attain,
To build a nation where peace and justice reign.”
Ezekwesili made it clear that this anthem is her own and asserted that no one could suppress her right to dissent against a law she deems to be unjust and offensive to the principles of good conscience in Nigeria.
President Tinubu signed the bill that reinstates the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” following its passage by both chambers of the National Assembly just a few days prior.
