Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared the reintroduction of Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee,” as the beginning of a revolution that the country has long awaited.
Speaking on Wednesday during a joint session of the National Assembly to mark the one-year anniversary of Chief Bola Tinubu’s administration, Akpabio emphasized the anthem’s role in fostering a sense of unity among Nigerians despite their diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Akpabio praised Tinubu for his achievements over the past year and highlighted the significance of bringing back the old anthem during Tinubu’s first year in office.
He noted that this move underscores the nation’s shared heritage and the importance of viewing each other as brothers, regardless of tribal and linguistic differences.
Akpabio stated, “Of all the significant things you have done, there is one of the most profound things and that is to take us back to our genealogy.
“The genealogy of our birth that though we belong to different tribes, though we may have different tongues, henceforth, we will not refer to ourselves as just compatriots, we will refer to ourself as brothers and as we move forward in battle or on the field of sports or other endeavours, we must hail Nigeria.”
“Before you came, myself and my brother, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass explained the purpose of this visit.
“In Nollywood, what you have just done is what they call “waka pass”. Yu intend to celebrate Democracy Day which is June 12, but out of honour and respect for the National Assembly, you said you must pass through the National Assembly on your first anniversary.
“There is no better place to commence this revolution than going back to our genealogy.
“In the National Assembly, we are not just representatives, but elected representatives of Nigerians. The voice of the National Assembly is the voice of Nigeria,” he added.
In response, Tinubu thanked the lawmakers for their support and cooperation. He commended them as rare leaders who represent the nation’s collective consciousness for freedom and a sense of belonging.
He articulated, “I came to say thank you very much. You are first and foremost leaders that speak for our people. You have been in the forefront of this struggle. This institution of hallowed chambers represents our consciousness for freedom and sense of belonging.
“You rolled out the latest National Anthem, Nigeria we hail thee. This is our diversity,” Tinubu added.
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