Reviving the old national anthem was a measure Tinubu signed, which drew criticism from a number of places.
However, Tinubu disregarded the critics during a meeting with the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, stating that the reintroduction of the old anthem is not, as some have claimed, an inappropriate priority.
“Let me allude to something that happened yesterday. President Tinubu announced the change to the national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee,” during the Thursday meeting.
“Some people say, okay, say what? Is that your priority? It’s my priority. I agree with the National Assembly. If they make law, I’ve got to obey that law, or we disagree openly and close the chapter.”
At the meeting, President Tinubu also canvassed for national unity, saying the country’s diversity makes it unique.
“But the question of diversity. Who gave us the name Nigeria? Is it not Britain? Or somewhere? Have we changed our name? We are Nigerians. Our passport shows that,” Tinubu told the gathering.
“We will always be Nigerians, safeguarding our differences and loving each other as siblings and sisters as long as we are one family.”
“But the question of diversity. Who gave us the name Nigeria? Is it not Britain? Or somewhere? Have we changed our name? We are Nigerians. Our passport shows that,” Tinubu told the gathering.
“As long as we are Nigerians and one family, we remain, protect our diversity and love one another as brothers and sisters.”
“It is God Almighty that puts you in that particular place and makes you a member of that family. You have no control over it,” he said.
“When I came begging for votes, I didn’t say vote for me as a Yoruba man, I said vote for me as Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
What are the lyrics to Nigeria, We Hail Thee?
Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood, we stand,
Nigerians all, and proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign,
In peace or battle honour’d,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain.
O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request,
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed,
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.
