Former Minister, Ezekwesili, Vows Never To Sing Nigeria’s New National Anthem

Oby Ezekwesili, a former minister of education, has expressed her disagreement with the reintroduction of the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, and has vowed to continue singing the former anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots”.

Ezekwesili described the new law as “obnoxious” and “repugnant to all that is of good conscience in Nigeria”.

She stated that she would exercise her right to dissent and continue to sing the former anthem, which she believes represents her own national anthem.

The former minister’s stance comes after President Bola Tinubu signed the bill into law, which was passed by the House of Representatives and Senate without broader consultation with Nigerians.

Ezekwesili is not alone in her opposition, as others, including former Senator Shehu Sani, have also called for wider consultation on the issue.

Tinubu has defended the reintroduction of the old anthem, stating that it reflects the country’s diversity and unity.

However, Ezekwesili and others remain opposed to the change, which they see as an attempt to suppress their right to dissent and freedom of expression.

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