Senate President Godswill Akpabio revealed that the decision to revert to Nigeria’s old national anthem was a deliberate move to foster national unity and rebuild the country’s future. Speaking at the 2024 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos, Akpabio explained that the 10th National Assembly, in agreement with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, decided to bring back the old anthem as a symbolic step towards national renewal.
Addressing a gathering of Nigerian lawyers and legal practitioners, Akpabio emphasized the importance of unity in the country’s development. He urged the legal community to see themselves as key agents of positive change in Nigeria. “We believe strongly that there is no stain in our country that we cannot erase if we stand together in brotherhood,” Akpabio stated. He further explained that returning to the old anthem, which stresses unity despite differences in tribe, tongue, and profession, reflects the government’s commitment to rebuilding the nation.
Akpabio, who has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, also spoke about his aspirations to rebuild both his home state, Akwa Ibom, and the nation as a whole. Recalling his tenure as governor, he highlighted the “uncommon transformation” he brought to Akwa Ibom, emphasizing that with the right leadership and collective effort, this transformation can be replicated across Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that, under President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, Nigeria can achieve a brighter future if the aspirations of the nation’s leaders inspire and ignite a sense of purpose among the citizenry. Akpabio concluded by reaffirming his commitment to working towards a robust legal framework that supports the aspirations of all Nigerians, underscoring the importance of unity in achieving these goals.
