Oby Ezekwesili Dares Tinubu, NASS, Says She’ll Continue To Sing The ‘Arise, O Compatriots’ Anthem

By Daniel Dafe

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili is one of those not impressed with Nigeria reverting to the old national anthem, ‘We Hail Thee.’

Recall that Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, on Wednesday during a joint session of the National Assembly commemorating the Silver Jubilee of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, announced that President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Anthem Bill 2024, which restores the old national anthem “Nigeria, we hail thee”.

The event coincided with the first anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Tinubu, who later joined the joint session, confirmed ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’ as the “latest national anthem”.

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But, in a post on X, Ezekwesili, wrote: “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.”

In her words: “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.”