29th May, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili has vowed not to revert to the old National Anthem, which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.
A defiant Ezekwesili took to her X handle on Wednesday to announce that whenever she is asked to sing the national anthem, she would sing “Arise, O compatriots.”
She then went on to display the lyrics of the National Anthem, “Let it be known to all and sundry that I, Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili shall 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.”
“This is my own National Anthem and let it be known that no one can suppress my right to dissent an obnoxious “law” that is repugnant to all that is of good conscience in Nigeria,” he added.
President Tinubu signed the bill reverting to old National Anthem, “Nigeria, we Hail thee,” on Wednesday after the two chambers of the National Assembly passed the National Anthem bill few days ago.
