Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate of Nigeria, has made a controversial statement suggesting that the country's current struggles with banditry and insecurity could have been avoided if the national anthem had not been changed in 1978. This statement has sparked a heated debate among Nigerians, with some supporting Akpabio's view and others rejecting it as a misguided attempt to rewrite history.
To understand the context of Akpabio's statement, it is essential to revisit the history of Nigeria's national anthem. The country's original national anthem, "Nigeria, We Hail Thee," was adopted in 1960, shortly after independence from British colonial rule. However, in 1978, the government of General Olusegun Obasanjo changed the anthem to the current version, “Arise, O Compatriots, Nigeria's Call Obey.”
Akpabio's argument is that the change in the national anthem marked a turning point in Nigeria's history, leading to a decline in the country's values and unity. He believes that the original anthem, which emphasized national pride and unity, was a unifying force for Nigerians, while the current anthem has failed to inspire the same level of patriotism and national identity.
While Akpabio's statement may seem far-fetched to some, it is essential to consider the historical context in which the national anthem was changed. The 1970s were a tumultuous period in Nigeria's history, marked by political instability, economic crisis, and social unrest. The change in the national anthem was part of a broader effort by the government to rebrand the country and promote a new sense of national identity.
However, Akpabio's assertion that the change in the national anthem is responsible for Nigeria's current security challenges is a stretch. Banditry and insecurity are complex issues that cannot be attributed to a single factor, such as a change in the national anthem. The roots of these problems lie in a combination of factors, including poverty, unemployment, political instability, and social inequality.
Moreover, it is important to recognize that Nigeria's national anthem is a symbol of national identity and unity, but it is not a magic wand that can solve the country's problems. The current challenges facing Nigeria require a comprehensive and multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying causes of insecurity and promotes sustainable development.
In conclusion, while Senator Akpabio's statement may have sparked a interesting debate, it is essential to approach the issue with a critical and nuanced perspective. The change in Nigeria's national anthem in 1978 may have had some impact on national identity and unity, but it is not the primary cause of the country's current security challenges. Addressing these challenges requires a more comprehensive and sustainable approach that prioritizes the well-being and prosperity of all Nigerians.
