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Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and supporters of the party for reciting the country’s former national anthem at a party town hall meeting in Lagos.
Omokri described the Constitution, national anthem and national football team as non-partisan symbols that bring Nigerians together, arguing that anyone who disregards them should not expect the public to entrust them with national leadership.
He made the comments in a statement on Friday, a day after Obi, party members and supporters sang the former anthem, Arise, O Compatriots, at an NDC town hall meeting held in Oregun, Lagos State, instead of the current anthem, Nigeria, We Hail Thee.
The incident occurred after the event moderator switched from the current anthem to the former version, which was replaced in 1978.
Reacting, Omokri referred to Section 24(a) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which requires citizens to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals, institutions, national symbols and legitimate authorities.
He maintained that Nigerians were constitutionally obliged to respect the national anthem and noted that the authority to determine the country’s official anthem rested with the President and the National Assembly.
Omokri argued that disregard for national symbols raised questions about the suitability of those seeking political office.
He also questioned why Nigerians should entrust their future to political leaders who, in his view, were unwilling to respect the Constitution.
“The Constitution, National Anthem and the National Football Team are three apolitical symbols that unite all Nigerians.
“If you are prepared to openly and unapologetically disrespect these symbols, then what should Nigerians expect from you? ” he said.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, is the NDC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso is his running mate.
The National Anthem Act 2024 restored Nigeria, We Hail Thee as Nigeria’s national anthem.
The song was first adopted at independence in 1960 before being replaced by Arise, O Compatriots in 1978. President Bola Tinubu signed the legislation into law on May 29, 2024.
