During an NDC gathering in Oregun, Lagos, participants skipped or sat through 'Nigeria, We Hail Thee'—restored in May 2024—and switched to the old 'Arise, O Compatriots,' with Obi joining in. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike called it disobedience unfit for a presidential hopeful, while Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo demanded NDC leader Seriake Dickson clarify within 48 hours if the party backs it, labeling it a secession risk. NDC defended the act as spontaneous, with supporters like Aisha Yesufu dismissing critics as overreacting and pointing to perceived hypocrisy in official settings. The clash highlights tensions over national symbols ahead of 2027 elections.
Nigerian Affairs Journal@NigAffairs
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike blasts Peter Obi for singing the old national anthem, saying the NDC presidential candidate has a plan to divide Nigeria. Wike said: The man disobeyed the national anthem and was singing a different anthem. What this man wants to do in this country is…
Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK)@fkeyamo
A National Anthem is one of a country’s national symbols. It represents a country’s history, values and SOVEREIGNTY. It is meant to UNITE citizens. When a group of people decide to defy it and sing something different from what others are signing as prescribed by law, that…
Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK)@fkeyamo
Let me educate some mischievous persons who try to equate singing the ON YOUR MANDATE song, which is used to serenade President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with singing an outlawed anthem IN PLACE of a legally approved National Anthem. At no time have supporters of President…