Former Education Minister, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has sworn never to sing Nigeria, We Hail Thee, any time she is requested to sing the national anthem.
The former Vice President of the World Bank, African Region, as well as co-founder and founding director of Transparency International, made the declaration on her official X handle, @obyezeks, Wednesday, shortly after it was announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had assented to the bill reinstating the old national anthem that was abolished 46 years ago by the General Olusegun Obasanjo military administration.
Rather, she said she would sing Arise, O’ Compatriot whenever it becomes necessary for her to pay respect to her Fatherland.
Below is the full text of Ezekwesili’s declaration:
Oby Ezekwesili
@obyezeks
*Public Service Announcement*
Let it be known to all and sundry that I, Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili shall whenever asked to sing the Nigerian National Anthem sing:
1. Arise, O compatriots,
Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.
2. Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause
Guide our leader’s right
Help our youth the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace and justice reign.
This is my own National Anthem and let it be known that no one can suppress my right to dissent an obnoxious “law” that is repugnant to all that is of good conscience in Nigeria.
