Today, protesters in various states took to the streets to voice their frustration over economic hardship and rising hunger.
As part of their demonstration, many recited the old national anthem, emphasizing their discontent with the current state of the nation.
The protest movement, tagged #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria, gained traction through an online campaign, despite official warnings against replicating recent violent demonstrations in Kenya, where protesters compelled the government to retract new taxes.
President Tinubu, who signed a bill on May 29, 2024, changing the national anthem to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” defended the change by stating that the new anthem promotes harmony and unity among citizens. “As long as we are Nigerians and one family, we must cherish our diversity and love one another as brothers and sisters,” Tinubu said.
In Port Harcourt, protesters filled the streets, chanting the old anthem as a powerful symbol of their dissatisfaction. They argued that the “original anthem” better represents their struggles and aspirations, despite its replacement.
In Lagos, demonstrators in Ojota joined their southern counterparts in rejecting the new anthem, expressing a widespread sentiment that “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” does not reflect the people’s identity or current realities.
Many Nigerians remain divided over whether the new anthem will effectively unite a seemingly fragmented nation.