Nigeria: 'It Doesn't Change Price of Food' - Experts Tackle Tinubu Over New National Anthem

30 May 2024

Experts have tackled President Bola Tinubu over the new national anthem, saying the national anthem does not change the price of food.

Political analysts, Jideofor Adibe and Sani Yabagi spoke on the first anniversary of President Tinubu in an interview on Channels Television.

Recall that President Tinubu signed the new national anthem, 'Nigeria, We Hail Thee' into law in the early hours of Wednesday.

The signing of the bill into law on Wednesday by President Tinubu, ensured that Nigeria jettisoned 'Arise, O Compatriots' as its national anthem.

The experts questioned the importance of changing the national anthem at this critical time, describing it as "shadowboxing".

Adobe said, "That for me is shadowboxing. Is that the problem? I think they are leaving the substance to chase the shadow. What does it change? Does it change the price of food in the market?"

Speaking on the development, Yabagi said he believes the issue of the national anthem was introduced as a kind of relief for Nigerians for all that is happening with the economy among others.

He said, "I think it is a way of giving us a kind of breather. It is a way of bringing out some substance in the whole thing that is called Nigeria so that we will now begin to appreciate who we are."

He, however, expressed concern that the old national anthem the country has now reverted to was written by the colonialists, saying "we are the pride of Africa, we shouldn't bring sentiments or things that define us in a different way."

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.