Former Nigerian Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has said that she would not revert to the old national anthem, newly signed by President Bola Tinubu as the country’s new anthem.
Ezekwesili made this disclosure in a post on her X handle on Wednesday.
According to her, no one can suppress her right to dissent from what she described as an “obnoxious law” repugnant to all who are of good conscience in Nigeria.
The ex-minister said: “Let it be known to all and sundry that I, Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, will, whenever asked to sing the Nigerian National Anthem, sing:
“1. 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.”
“2. Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause
“Guide our leader’s 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.”
https://x.com/obyezeks/status/1795817411309977896
Given the speed the Bill was passed by the House of Reps and Senate and the speed of signing the Bill into an Act by president Tinubu, despite the the advice of the Attorney General of the federation (law officer of this government), that the Bill be subjected to public hearing, it appears there is a hidden motive for changing the national anthem.