NEWS
Restoring The Old Anthem, A big Step Backward – Reno Omokri
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent approval to restore the old Nigerian National Anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” has stirred controversy, drawing sharp criticism from former presidential aide Reno Omokri.
Omokri, a noted author, criticized the decision, characterizing it as a step backward.
He underscored the origins of both anthems, highlighting that “Arise, O Compatriots” was crafted by Nigerian youth in 1978, while the old anthem was composed by an Englishwoman, Lillian Jean Williams.
Omokri questioned the rationale behind Tinubu’s decision, urging reconsideration and advocating for the retention of “Arise, O Compatriots.”
His words: “If I look sad in the attached photo, it is for a reason. My heart is very heavy about Nigeria right now because, in my opinion, we just took a giant step backwards in our national journey.
“Now, do not get me wrong, I support the current economic policies of my country. Fuel subsidy removal and Naira flotation are necessary policies that any lover of Nigeria should adhere to regardless of party affiliation.
“One of the most unnecessary acts of governance in Nigeria in recent times is the law returning the old National Anthem. First of all, there was nothing wrong with the existing anthem.
“Secondly, with all of the multifaceted issues we face, it seems like we have a lack of priorities, when we major on such a settled issue as an anthem.
“To me, it looks like a step backwards to discard the ‘Arise, O Compatriots’ National Anthem written by a collective of young Nigerians, including John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui and P. O. Aderibigbe in 1978, for ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’, written by an English woman, Lillian Jean Williams.
“Does it not sound preposterous that a foreigner should write our National Anthem? Are we that shallow and uninspired that we cannot come up with our own indigenous anthem? You can imagine the land of such music icons, like Fela Kuti, Osita Osadebe, Dan Maraya Jos, and contemporary stars, like Sade Adu, Burna Boy, Davido and Wizkid, importing music of national significance from Britain. As my Yoruba brethren will say, ‘O wrong now!’
“Already, the name Nigeria was given to us by another English lady, Flora Shaw. And she named us in 1897 in much the same way you name a dog. She did it tongue in cheek, for an article she wrote for The Times of London.
“We ought to have even changed that name to something indigenous, such as the Republic of Wazobia, as Ghana did in 1957 when she changed from Gold Coast to Ghana at Independence in 1957.
“We should also have reverted to the original name for Lagos, Eko. Lagos is an imposed Portuguese name. The annoying thing is that the Portuguese who renamed Eko as Lagos were just opportunistic slave traders who did not set up any viable administrative structure.
“Instead of undertaking these name changes, we are rather doubling down on another colonial relic by discarding the anthem written by our own citizens for one written by a foreigner.
“I dare anyone reading this to name another country whose National Anthem was written by a foreigner. Even a Banana Republic would not do that!
“In my humble opinion, President Tinubu ought not to have assented to that bill. Instead, he should have written a strongly worded letter to communicate to the National Assembly the implications on our sovereignty and national psyche to revert to an anthem written by a foreigner, which would make us a free nation that willingly chose to return to the yoke of imperialism.
“Is it too late for the President to do what he ought to have done? No. He is our Head of State and has a duty to promote indigenous ideas over imperialistic ones”. he added
A damning video clip has resurfaced, showing former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike vehemently opposing the godfather syndrome in politics.
The clip, which is currently circulating on social media, reveals Wike’s stance on the issue, stating that the godfather syndrome will not be tolerated in Rivers State.
In the video, Wike, who is currently serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, explicitly states that the system of godfatherism may be prevalent in other states like Lagos, but it will not happen in Rivers.
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He emphasizes that he cannot perpetuate the system even if he wants to, and that it is not possible for one individual to dictate the political landscape of the state.
He said, “It may happen in Lagos State but it cannot happen in Rivers, we are quite different. As a governor, I will come and go and I can’t stop it.
“The day that my tenure ends, by the grace of God, I will go. When you are thinking that what is happening in Lagos State, we will do it here, it may be difficult.
“You can’t continue to say that you must be a godfather of a state. That is the problem and it is not possible.
However, the irony of Wike’s statement is not lost on many, as Rivers State is currently embroiled in one of the worst political crises in the country.
wike and incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara are locked in a bitter struggle for control of the state’s leadership structure, with both sides trading blows and accusations.
The crisis has divided Rivers State along ethnic and political lines, with various groups issuing threats and warnings.
The Ijaw Youth Council and the Ijaw National Congress have warned that any attempt to remove Fubara from office will be seen as an attack on the Ijaw nation.
As the situation in Rivers State continues to unfold, the resurfaced video clip has raised questions about Wike’s commitment to his earlier stance on godfatherism.
An explosion rocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday, causing significant damage to the building and its surroundings .
The blast, suspected to have been caused by dynamite, shattered the secretariat’s gate, doors, and windows, and also destroyed other properties.
This is the second attack on the APC secretariat this year, and it comes at a time when the local government elections are set to hold in the state.
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The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission has confirmed that all sensitive materials have been distributed to the various local government area.
A viral video of the incident has been circulating, showing workers assessing the damage to the secretariat.
The police have not yet commented on the incident, but the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, has promised to investigate and provide updates.
The APC has not made any official statement on the incident, but the attack has raised concerns about the safety and security of political parties and their properties in the state.
The incident is currently under investigation, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
The Anti Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has successfully raided a notorious camp linked to the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the Ezioha forest of Mbaitoli local government area.
The operation, which took place on Friday, resulted in the rescue of several kidnap victims, including a 69-year-old traditional ruler from the Umuorji Mgbidi community in Oru West local government.
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According to Henry Okoye, the Command Public Relations Officer, the operation was initiated following intelligence reports about the camp’s activities.
Upon arrival, security operatives engaged in a fierce gun battle with the armed group, which led to the neutralization of the gang leader, identified as a key figure in recent kidnappings that have plagued the state.
Other members of the gang fled the scene, reportedly suffering from bullet wounds.
In addition to the rescue of the traditional ruler, a couple and several other individuals held captive were freed during the operation.
Law enforcement officials recovered a range of items from the camp, including several vehicles, a pump-action gun, ten live cartridges, four locally made explosives, a Biafra flag, and a native bulletproof vest.
The Imo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to combating kidnapping and criminal activities in the region, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
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