EXTRA: Akpabio says reintroduced anthem could have tackled banditry

Senate President Godwin Akpabio says “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” the reintroduced old national anthem, would have tackled banditry and insecurity if it were retained.

Akpabio spoke on Tuesday during a visit to the Nigeria Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies in Abuja.

The anthem was introduced on October 1, 1960, after Nigeria gained independence, but was replaced with “Arise, O Compatriots” in 1978.

On May 29, President Bola Tinubu signed the bill reintroducing the 1960 anthem after the house of representatives and senate speedily passed the bill.

The development drew sharp criticism from citizens, many of whom said there should have been calls for broader consultation before returning to a “colonial” chorale.

Akpabio challenged the views of those labelling the re-introduced anthem as an element of colonialism.

“A lot of people are not aware that there was a panel set up and made up of Nigerians to receive input from all over the world in 1959,” the senate president said.

“So when people are saying we are bringing in the colonial anthem, they need to look into the history of ‘Nigeria; we hail thee.”

Tinubu said the reintroduced anthem reflects the country’s diversity and unity.

Reechoing the president’s assertion, Akpabio described the signing into law of the reintroduced anthem as “an impactful bill” capable of solving the country’s security challenges.

“If we had kept to that anthem, we probably would not have banditry today in Nigeria because if you take your neighbour as your brother, you will not want to kill him,” he added.

Akpabio said the reintroduced anthem would ensure unity and love among Nigerians.