Kingsley Moghalu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, has criticized the government’s decision to revert to the old national anthem, arguing that this change will not address the country’s critical issues.
“Changing the national anthem in Nigeria will not solve any of Nigeria’s problems, not least the challenge of building a nation,” Moghalu commented on Thursday via X.
The former presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party in the 2019 general elections stressed the importance of concrete actions and inclusive policies over symbolic gestures.
“We need leadership, not just words; fairness, not prejudice; inclusion, not exclusion; a national spirit, not a tribal spirit; justice, not injustice,” he emphasized.
Moghalu’s remarks follow Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s announcement to the National Assembly, revealing plans to revert to Nigeria’s first post-independence national anthem.
On Wednesday, Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law, which aims to reinstate the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
In April, Moghalu defended his supportive comments regarding the success of Tinubu’s government, despite facing criticism.
Dr. Aloy Chife, a humanist, stated on April 26 via X that ‘true’ Nigerians would not want Tinubu’s government to fail.
Chife wrote, “No true Nigerian patriot wants Tinubu to fail. Regardless of his path to the throne, and political differences, the overall interest of the nation is paramount. What we want to see is a coherent/ workable plan to change our fortunes. Fundamental structural changes are imperative.”
Reacting to his post, Moghalu affirmed his support for the statement saying, “Agreed. A sensible and mature position. The interest of Nigeria and Nigerians in terms of actual governance performance, regardless of partisan political differences, should be paramount.”
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This brought about criticism from X users.
However, Moghalu, in a statement, emphasized his non-partisan stance and commitment to Nigeria’s progress.
“I am not surprised at criticism from some quarters after I supported Dr. Aloy Chife’s view that we should hope for the success of the Nigerian government and Bola Tinubu.
“Let me make myself clear. What happens with elections should be a matter for the electoral process and the courts afterward. In the meantime, Nigeria must be governed,” Moghalu stated.
He further argued that it is in the interest of Nigeria’s 200 million citizens for governance to produce results, regardless of who is in charge.
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