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Protesters across several states in the nation took to the streets today, to express their discontent at the economic hardship and growing hunger
In all of this, these aggrieved demonstrators decided to drive their point home by reciting the old national anthem
Tagged #EndbadGovernanceinNigeria, the protest movement won support with an online campaign, but officials had warned against attempts to replicate recent violent demonstrations in Kenya, where protesters forced the government to abandon new taxes.
President Tinubu, who signed the bill to change the national anthem to a new national anthem,” Nigeria, we hail thee”, on May 29th 2024 justified his reasons for changing the anthem by stating that fosters harmony and unity among the citizenry.
“As long as we are Nigerians and one family, we remain and protect our diversity and love one another as brothers and sisters,” Tinubu said.
However, in Port Harcourt, protesters filled the streets chanting the old national anthem in a stirring expression of their dissatisfaction with the current state of the nation.
They argued that the ”original anthem”, despite being replaced, better reflects their struggles and aspirations.
Similarly, in Lagos, protesters in Ojota joined forces with their southern counterparts, emphasizing a nationwide sentiment that ”Nigeria We Hail Thee” does not reflect the people’s identity or current realities.
Many Nigerians are divided, over the role of the new anthem in bringing a seemingly fractionated closer.
SOCIAL MEDIA REACTIONS
user @AishaYesufu tweeted
Arise O Compatriots !
— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) August 1, 2024
user @sales_unwana replied saying,
Nigeria government must obey 😭😭😭
Our voice must be heard this time …— Unwana Umoinwang (@sales_unwana) August 1, 2024
user @drkenon2 replied also by saying
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…..
— Dr. Kenon (@drkenon2) August 1, 2024
user @Apotheo6is_ said the old rule must go and that it is time for a new rule
And the people shall no longer settle for mediocre systems
On our streets, they’re singing songs about Anarchy and War!!
It’s time for a new rule
The old rule must go. #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria pic.twitter.com/glHgbpZZWb— Emmanuel (@Apotheo6is_) August 1, 2024
user @mighty_nc said,
We’re singing the old national anthem. Live from Rumuola, Port Harcourt. Nigerians deserve better. Rice is not the solution, it’s good governance!! 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria #EndBadGovernanceProtest #EndBadGovernace pic.twitter.com/vM2lehOez6
— Mighty (@mighty_nc) August 1, 2024
user @Bammyalexx said,
Our own National Anthem was been sang at all protest gathering…OUR OWN! NOT TINUBU’S AMBITION NATIONAL ANTHEM
Arise, O Compatriots
Nigeria’s call obey…I’m proud to be a Nigerian with this National Anthem #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria https://t.co/aspEa0nDkJ
— BAMIDELE🕊 (@Bammyalexx) August 1, 2024
As the protest continues, the nation watches closely to see how this symbolic action will impact the broader socio-political landscape of Nigeria.
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