A Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu, has weighed in on the government’s decision to revert to the old national anthem, asserting that such a move will not address the nation’s pressing challenges.
“Changing the national anthem in Nigeria will not solve any of Nigeria’s problems, not least the challenge of building a nation,” Moghalu stated on Thursday via X.
The former presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party in the 2019 general elections emphasised the need for tangible actions and inclusive policies rather than symbolic gestures.
“Needed: leadership Action, not words, fairness, not prejudice, inclusion, not exclusion, a nation-spirit, not tribal-spirit, justice, not injustice,” he said.
Moghalu’s comments come in the wake of President Tinubu’s announcement during his address to the National Assembly, where he revealed the reversion to Nigeria’s first post-independence national anthem.
Tinubu on Wednesday signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law. The bill seeks to reinstate the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
Meanwhile, in April, Moghalu defended his comments supporting the success of Tinubu’s government, despite criticism from some quarters.
A humanist, Dr Aloy Chife on April 26, via X noted that ‘true’ Nigerians would not want the government of Tinubu to fail.
Chife wrote, “No true Nigerian patriot wants Tinubu to fail. Regardless of his path to the throne, and political differences, the overall interest of the nation is paramount. What we want to see is a coherent/ workable plan to change our fortunes. Fundamental structural changes are imperative.”
Reacting to his post, Moghalu affirmed his support for the statement saying, “Agreed. A sensible and mature position. The interest of Nigeria and Nigerians in terms of actual governance performance, regardless of partisan political differences, should be paramount.”
This brought about criticism from Nigerians.
However, Moghalu, in a statement emphasised his non-partisan approach and commitment to Nigeria’s progress.
“I am not surprised at criticism from some quarters after I supported the view expressed by Dr Aloy Chife that we should hope for the success of the Nigerian government and President Bola Tinubu.
“Let me make myself clear. What happens with elections should be a matter for the electoral process and the courts afterwards. In between, Nigeria must be governed,” Moghalu stated.
Moghalu further argued that it is in the interest of Nigeria’s 200 million citizens that governance produces results, regardless of who is in charge.
