‘I Will Never Sing The Old Anthem’ – Former Minister Of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, Vows

Obiageli Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education under President Olusegun Obasanjo, has criticised the decision to revert to Nigeria’s old National Anthem.

Ezekwesili condemned the recently signed Old Anthem Bill by President Bola Tinubu, which reinstates the old anthem as the country’s official anthem.

She described this change as obnoxious and vowed never to sing the anthem

Ezekwesili shared her view in a post on her X handle on Wednesday.

She declared: “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.”

She added, “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.

Notably, both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the National Anthem Bill 2024, which reinstates the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

The bill, which sparked controversy in the House of Representatives, was promoted by Julius Ihonvbere, who argued it was necessary for patriotism and nationalism.

The Senate, led by Godswill Akpabio, passed the bill after reviewing a report by Tahir Monguno, the Lawmaker representing Borno North Senatorial District and Chair of the Judiciary Committee.

President Bola Tinubu promptly signed it into law.

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