LAGOS, NIGERIA — Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the decision to restore Nigeria’s former national anthem reflects the National Assembly’s love for the country and its desire to strengthen national unity.
Akpabio spoke on Friday when he led a delegation of the National Assembly, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, to visit President Bola Tinubu at his Lagos residence during activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Senate president also reaffirmed the legislature’s support for the Tinubu administration, saying the National Assembly would continue to work with the executive through legislation and other measures aimed at improving the country.
Akpabio Defends Anthem Change
Explaining the decision to restore the independence-era anthem, Akpabio said its message of brotherhood was consistent with the need for Nigerians to strengthen their bonds across ethnic and religious lines.
He said the change from the anthem that had been used for decades to the one adopted at independence was a reflection of the country’s patriotism.
Akpabio said Nigerians should learn to support one another and promote unity despite differences in language, ethnicity and religion.
He linked the anthem to the broader need for national cohesion, saying Nigeria’s diversity should not prevent citizens from regarding themselves as brothers and working toward common national goals.
Senate President Praises Tinubu Reforms
Akpabio also expressed support for Tinubu’s administration, saying some of the reforms introduced by the government were beginning to produce results.
He said the country had also recorded progress in addressing insecurity, although he acknowledged that challenges remained in some parts of the country.
According to Akpabio, the country was experiencing “pockets of discontent,” which he partly linked to the approaching election period.
He said the National Assembly remained committed to working with the executive to improve conditions across the country.
Akpabio also described Nigeria’s survival as a united country for 66 years as evidence of its resilience.
He said the country’s continued existence despite its diversity demonstrated the need for citizens to remain committed to national unity.
National Assembly Backs Economic Measures
The Senate president highlighted the legislature’s role in efforts to reform Nigeria’s economic system and address the cost-of-living crisis.
He pointed to changes in the country’s tax laws, describing some existing legislation as outdated and in need of replacement.
Akpabio cited stamp duty legislation dating back to 1939 and other laws whose origins, according to him, predated Nigeria’s independence.
He said the National Assembly had worked on four major tax laws as part of broader economic reforms.
According to him, the legislation initially faced criticism and scepticism but was eventually passed with broad legislative support.
Akpabio said the speed with which the National Assembly considered government proposals and appointments demonstrated its willingness to support the administration.
‘Words With Action’
The Senate president urged Nigerians to assess the administration based on what it delivers rather than its promises alone.
He maintained that the government was working to translate its policy commitments into practical measures.
“Don’t forget, it’s easy to say with the mouth, but difficult to do,” Akpabio said, adding that the administration was matching its words with action.
He said the National Assembly would continue to support policies and legislation that it believes serve the interests of Nigerians.
Independence Anniversary Message
Akpabio described Nigeria’s 66 years as a sovereign nation as an achievement that should encourage citizens to focus on unity and national development.
He said the country remained a praying nation across religious lines and expressed confidence that Nigeria could overcome its challenges.
The Senate president also offered prayers for the country and the president, while urging Nigerians to remain hopeful about the nation’s future.
His comments came as political activity increases ahead of the 2027 general election, with the government and opposition parties presenting competing assessments of the country’s economic and security situation.
Akpabio’s remarks represent the position of the National Assembly leadership and the governing administration, while opposition figures have continued to raise concerns over economic hardship and other national issues.
