President Bola Tinubu has defended his decision to revive Nigeria’s former national anthem, saying it was always a priority for him despite criticisms that it is a misplaced priority.
Tinubu said at a meeting with the Arewa Consultative Forum on Thursday: “Some people say, okay… say what? Is that your priority? It’s my priority.
“I agree with the National Assembly. If they make law, I’ve got to obey that law, or we disagree openly and close the chapter.”
The president enacted the legislation on May 29 to restore the old anthem ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’, which had been replaced in 1978.
The move divided opinions, with some arguing it was an unnecessary distraction given the many challenges facing Nigerians.
But Tinubu insisted that Nigeria’s diversity should be protected and celebrated.
“Our passport shows that,” he said, “As long as we are Nigerians and one family, we remain and protect our diversity and love one another as brothers and sisters.
“It is God Almighty that puts you in that particular place and makes you a member of that family. You have no control over it.
“When I came begging for votes, I didn’t say vote for me as a Yoruba man, I said vote for me as Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
