By Abdulateef Bamgbose and Paul Effiong, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, has said those in leadership positions in the country and Nigerians in general have no choice but to collaborate to build a new nation, saying no one else will do that for the county.
Tinubu, made the call in a brief remarks at the joint session of the National Assembly, yesterday.
He specifically called on members of the National Assembly to collaborate and build a new Nigeria that will guarantee future generations a prosperous country.
In this vein, the President said “let us work together to build our nation, not only for ourselves but for generations yet unborn. We must chart a new course and set the path for our development”, while applauding the lawmakers for “the smooth working relationship with his government and for the quick manner in which they passed the 2024 budget, the President told the lawmakers that he would soon submit the 2025 budget proposal to them for consideration, saying, “We are walking the talks”.
Tinubu, then congratulated Nigerians for 25 years of unbroken democracy, the President told them that it is possible that he would not have been President if he had not passed through the National Assembly, recalling that “I started from here” (National Assembly).
“Out of respect, I want to say thank you very much. This is the institution building the country.
“Our friends, old and new, to every Nigerian, I say congratulations to 25 years of unbroken democracy”, he said.
Meanwhile, the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, composed when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, has replaced the “Arise, O Compatriots” anthem
AljazirahNigeria recalls that the Senate and the House of Representatives had previously passed the legislation to swap the national anthem from “Arise, O Compatriots” to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” at separate sittings and the President has assented to the Bill thereby returning the old national anthem into use.
According to the NASS, the anthem played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s. Even though, the Bill was quickly passed by both chambers, it was hotly debated a d reasons for the return of the old anthem carried the day. By this action, Nigerians will no longer sing Arise O Compatriots.
Meanwhile, Netizens have reacted over the body languages of majority of NASS Members as they were visibly murmuring the anthem because it has been long forgotten. But many have criticized the reintroduction of the Anthem for the fact that it was not written by Nigerians rather a colonialist, who as at that time played roles in actualizing Nigeria’s Independence. Nigerians will definitely missed Arise O Compatriots as this will cause a lot of tongue bitting before school children and elders will master the lines.
