In a special session of the National Assembly marking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s one-year anniversary in office, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Tinubu for consenting to the return of Nigeria’s former national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
Akpabio emphasized that this reintroduction signifies a significant moment for Nigeria, marking the beginning of a long-awaited revolution. He stated that the return of the old anthem fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among Nigerians, transcending tribal and linguistic differences.
“Of all the significant things you have done, there is one of the most profound things, and that is to take us back to our genealogy. Though we belong to different tribes and may have different tongues, henceforth, we will not refer to ourselves just as compatriots but as brothers. As we move forward in battle, on the field of sports, or other endeavors, we must hail Nigeria,” Akpabio said.
Akpabio commended Tinubu’s performance during his first year as president and highlighted the symbolic importance of reinstating the old national anthem during this period.
In a gesture he described using the Nollywood term “waka pass,” the Senate President noted Tinubu’s visit to the National Assembly, marking it as a sign of the president’s respect for the parliament.
“Before you came, myself and my brother, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, explained the purpose of this visit. In Nollywood, what you have just done is what they call ‘waka pass.’ You intend to celebrate Democracy Day on June 12, but out of honor and respect for the National Assembly, you said you must pass through the National Assembly on your first anniversary. There is no better place to commence this revolution than going back to our genealogy,” Akpabio remarked.
He further stated, “In the National Assembly, we are not just representatives, but elected representatives of Nigerians. The voice of the National Assembly is the voice of Nigeria.”
Responding, President Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the lawmakers for their understanding and cooperation, describing them as rare leaders that Nigeria has long sought.
“I came to say thank you very much. You are, first and foremost, leaders that speak for our people. You have been at the forefront of this struggle. This institution of hallowed chambers represents our consciousness for freedom and a sense of belonging. You rolled out the latest National Anthem, ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee.’ This is our diversity,” Tinubu said.
