As President Bola Tinubu signs the bill reverting to Nigeria’s old National Anthem into law, a former Minister of Education, Mrs Obiageli Ezekwesili, has vowed to stick to the one just officially abolished.
She said she would always sing ‘Arise of compatriots’ instead of the favoured , Nigeria we hail thee…’
The National Assembly had speedily okayed the bill while Tinubu signed it into law on Wednesday.But, describing the new law as obnoxious, Ezekwesili said on Twitter: “Let it be known to all and sundry that I, Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, will, 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.”
She added, “2. Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause
“Guide our leader’s right
“Help our youth the truth to know
“And living just and true
“Great lofty heights attain
“To build a nation where peace and justice reign.”
