Reacting to the development, Ezekwesili, who criticized the reintroduction of the national anthem, described it as absolutely ridiculous.
She noted that it is within her constitutional rights to choose not to abide by any law that she deems repulsive.
She added that she will continue to sing the discarded anthem “Arise, O Compatriots” whenever the need arises to sing the national anthem and not the newly reintroduced “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
She wrote, “*Public Service Announcement*
“Let it be known to all and sundry that I, Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili will 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. Whatever else is #NotMyNationalAnthem.”
TRIBUNE
