Reverting to old national anthem, an indirect recolonisation

Sir: Whatever could have informed the federal government’s decision to revert to the old national anthem, the import of such action, if viewed critically, is that Nigeria is perhaps tired of ruling itself and making an overture to Britain to return to complete its unfinished business.

For the mere reason that the old anthem was conceived and produced by Lillian Jean William, a Briton, is enough to classify it as a colonial anthem.

If after more than 24 years of Independence, Nigeria’s leaders in their wisdom would think that the most pressing issue at this point in time is national anthem and the need to revert to the one fostered on Nigeria at independence by Britain, there are certain things those who conceived of the idea should be reminded about.

First is that reverting to the colonial anthem is an indication of regret that Britain granted independence to Nigeria, and it may be an indirect invitation to the colonial masters to return. Two, Britain is mostly responsible for all the problems facing Nigeria today because as Nigeria’s colonial master, it was responsible for ruling Nigeria for so many years and had the opportunity of selecting the very best among Nigerians to take over at Independence.

A good leader would always seek out and choose the best of the best for key positions if he desires progress. At the time Britain was granting independence to Nigeria, there were those imbued with the same intellect as the British and who would have made Nigeria an Eldorado within the shortest possible time, thereby levelling up with Britain and matching up with its achievements.

But the British intentionally bypassed such men of indubitable knowledge and administrative acumen, and handed the baton to those the British knew would continually make Nigeria subservient to Britain. The rest is now history and Nigeria has been baptised into completely insurmountable problems. So by reverting to the old national anthem, are Nigeria’s leaders nostalgic about colonialism and want it back?

Jide Oyewusi is coordinator of Ethics Watch International, Lagos.