Senate President Godswill Akpabio sparks outrage by suggesting a new national anthem could build patriotism, and resolve insecurity like banditry. Nigerians slam his statement as misguided.

Nigeria Senate President Godswill Akpabio has sparked outrage by suggesting that adopting a new national anthem could help build patriotism and resolve the country’s security challenges like banditry. During a visit to the Nigerian Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies, Akpabio claimed that if Nigeria had not changed its anthem in 1978, it might not be experiencing banditry today. He highlighted the proposed “National Anthem Bill” as one of the most appealing bills in their current legislative agenda, alongside the student loan bills.

Akpabio’s remarks have drawn widespread criticism and skepticism from Nigerians across social media.

“Just imagine the people who are making decisions for millions of Nigerians,” one Twitter user lamented, while another sarcastically commented, “When you get to the market, just sing the new old national anthem, they will give you whatever you need without asking you for money.”

Nigerians argue that the government should focus its efforts on tackling the root causes of insecurity rather than attempting symbolic gestures. “How can an anthem solve hunger, insecurity, poverty, unemployment, inflation, etc.?” asked one Twitter user, echoing the sentiments of many Nigerians who view Akpabio’s proposal as misguided and out of touch with the country’s pressing needs.

Despite the backlash, some supporters argue that a new national anthem could serve as a rallying cry, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among Nigerians in the face of security challenges. However, the overwhelming response suggests that many Nigerians remain skeptical of the government’s ability to address the nation’s deep-seated problems through such measures.

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