As We Sing The New National Anthem, What Next?
The re-introduction of the old national anthem is now official. The covert bill, which was speedily and hastily passed by both chambers of the National Assembly in less than a week, has officially been assented to by President Bola Tinubu. Even though the presidency was conspicuously been silent on the signing of the bill, the President himself, however, joined members of the National Assembly at a joint sitting on Wednesday to launch the anthem. Whether we like it or otherwise, the anthem written by a Briton, Lilian Jean William, has come to stay, at least, till the end of Tinubu administration. Hence, it is a task for school children, government officials and all citizens to internalize the lyrics of the song to catch up with the change.
Perhaps truthfully, the re-introduction of the old national anthem seemed not to sit well with many Nigerians. Many have tagged it as a misplaced priority. Some described it as a direction to backwardness. And others claimed that it is the best thing to ever to happen to our country. For instance, while speaking on the ‘momentous’ launching of the anthem, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said, “Today, we witness a significant chapter in our nation's history. The revival of 'Nigeria We Hail Thee' symbolises our enduring commitment to our national identity and heritage. This anthem, with its profound lyrics and stirring melody, will continue to inspire and unite Nigerians across generations.” Similarly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, remarked, “This event is a testament to our shared values and aspirations as a nation. 'Nigeria We Hail Thee' represents our unity, strength, and determination to build a better future. Let this anthem remind us of our collective responsibility to uphold the ideals of our nation.” Those were the words of the ‘patriotic principals’ of the national assembly who were accused of budget padding and who often send ‘prayers’ to the ‘mail boxes’ of their legislative members.
I don't know what the global communities would be thinking about us as a nation. But certainly, they would be taken aback by actions and policies of our political leaders. At a time when every other country is taking revolutionary actions to advance their technological innovations, military hardware and whatnot, Nigeria is preoccupied with changing its national anthem. And sadly, on every global index and assessment, Nigeria is most often at the threshold. A country with records of the world poverty capital, world infant mortality rate, world maternity death, global terrorism index, and many others. Yet, we think the next solution to our myriad of challenges is the national anthem? I doubt! It is now obvious that we are only running in a circle. Going back and forth. Even though we are moving, there is no real progress. It is like taking a step forward and taking ten steps backward. To think that national unity is achievable through the recitation of national anthem is like treating eczema and leaving leprosy unattended to. The real issues are there unaddressed. We seem to play around problems without taking any decisive actions to solve them. It is in this country that some governors flew private jets abroad to convene a summit to find solutions to insecurity in their region. It is in this country that we think the lasting solution to millions of out-of-school children is to set up a national commission for Almajiri. It is also in this country that elected government officials buy humongous SUVs because our roads are bad. You can easily guess the country whose leaders earmarked billions of naira to buy a presidential yatch to fight sea pirates.
If the lawmakers are really serious about national unity, why can’t they make law on national identity and replace the state of origin with the state of residence? But, they dare not go there for whatever political reasons. Such bills can't ever see the light of the day. Mark you, national unity is hinged on social justice and fairness. We can't expect national integration when there is ethnic and religious marginalization. Not When there is impunity. When many are oppressed and treated with no human dignity. When some are below the law, and others are outright above the law. When opportunities are not based on merit and good character. Singing is just a mere lip service. National unity is attainable through our actions as leaders and followers. Most importantly, equity is sacrosanct.
As we have now returned to the old national anthem, I hope it is also high time to return to old pump fuel price, old price of food stuff, old price of cement and other building materials; and old free education policy among others. Those are the catalysts to promote national cohesion, unity and a sense of patriotism. Certainly, neither the new nor old national anthem can put food on any man’s table no matter how rhythmic and melodious their lyrics are.
Damilare Adeleye writes via [email protected].