The public outrage that has so far trailed the President Bola Tinubu-led government’s reintroduction of the National Anthem: “Nigeria, we hail thee”, written by a British woman, Lillian Jean Williams, in 1959 and adopted on October 1, 1960, at political independence, at the expense of: “Arise, O Compatriots”, written by a Nigerian, Pa Odiase, is considered as chasing shadows – of personalising political power at the expense of good governance.

What is worse still is that this change took place during these trying times of excruciating economic hardship. While some concerned citizens have described the adoption of the old National Anthem by the President Tinubu-led government as a bid to divert attention away from what is generally considered his below-the-average performance over the past one year in office, Tahir Mongunu, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on the National Anthem, however, insists that it is: “Apt, timely and important”.

But is it really so? That is the million naira question taking up the public sphere at a time the insecurity challenge persists, the inflation rate has skyrocketed to an all-time high of over 33% and the exchange rate has been ridiculed by the market forces, bedevilling an import-dependent country. Ordinarily, a National Anthem is a patriotic musical composition which is rendered as a symbol of nationalism and encapsulates, eulogizes and evokes the history and traditions of a country.

So, what is wrong with “Arise, O Compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey. To serve our fatherland. With Love and Strength and Faith”? Is it not a clarion call to us all; to sacrifice our best in terms of energy, time and resources, beginning with our leaders, to provide the elusive good governance to the good people of Nigeria? Yet, there are more significant questions, all begging for credible answers from our powers that be.

If, for instance: “In brotherhood we stand” how would our successive political leaders explain overtly nepotistic political appointments, at variance with the federal character principles?

Unfortunately, it is still the order as at this day. So also is the longwinding and seemingly intractable insecurity challenge ravaging the country. That is especially so as it has metamorphosed from the Boko Haram terrorism, through banditry rearing its ugly head in the kidnapping and killing spree.

That is while the masterminds are enjoying freedom, as untouchables, protected by the crass culture of impunity. How indeed, can our policy makers explain the insidious, insulting and self-decimating policy of a spurious amnesty for the so called “repentant terrorists”? What about the armed killer herdsmen who have turned Benue and Plateau states into the killing fields of the country? Some parts of Ondo state are similarly affected. Yet,

Ordinarily, a National Anthem is a patriotic musical composition which is rendered as a symbol of nationalism and encapsulates, eulogises and evokes the history and traditions of a country some of the Boko Haram terrorists are made to benefit from the same western education they openly derided, using public funds. Others are fed and clothed by the Federal Government as if their lives are more important than that of fellow citizens they have sent to their early graves!

Worrisome also is the fact that Nigerians have witnessed during the past general election the absurd situation of attempts to coerce some eligible voters to vote along ethnic sentiments, with threats to their lives should they refuse to do so.

Similarly painful is the wanton demolition of market structures and buildings belonging to citizens from a particular section of the country. Sad to note that the culprits have been protected from facing the full wrath of the law!

Where lies the spirit of brotherhood in such gross violation of the people’s rights? That is contrary to the lyrics of the new anthem, part of which states that: “Our flag shall be a symbol that truth and justice shall reign”.

That also raises the questions relating to the controversial performance of the electoral umpire, as well as the judiciary during and after the 2023 general elections, as they prove otherwise. In fact, questions – and troubling ones at that – are still being triggered with regards to the recent killings of soldiers by unnamed gunmen, both in Delta and Abia states. Worrisome also was the #EndSARS saga of 2020, much against the claim that our leaders are “to hand over to our children a banner without stain”.

On the economic front, the sudden removal of fuel subsidies, the hike in electricity tariff and the tinkering with the tuition fees for students in public-owned universities, polytechnics and colleges of education have exacerbated the survival situation over the past one year.

Cumulatively, such hardship discourages the people’s hope and trust, specifically in government, as a protective and providing father figure. That is out of sync with Section 14(2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Such a situation runs contrary to what operates in the United States of America (USA), where the average citizen proudly affirms that: “In God we trust” and is willing to serve his country, or even be ready to die for it.

There is also an adequate database for the president to identify the number and provide information about the citizens anywhere they are in the world. But does that hold sway here in Nigeria? Of course, not.

Considered from a holistic perspective, what really matters is for our leaders – from the traditional, religious to political field – to lead by example and walk the talk on the long expected, people -oriented good governance.

When members of the political elite live large in the midst of mass poverty of the citizens and when injustice and inequity reign supreme, the people’s trust is violated and the ideals of nationhood are compromised.

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