Many of us are still confused as to when Nigeria changed its national anthem without informing its over 200 million citizens.

This was the thought that came to mind when I watched a clip on social media where the presidential campaign slogan of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was sung before and after President Bola Tinubu presented the 2024 budget proposal to the National Assembly.

This is ridiculous pic.twitter.com/fJHiqFiKFQ

— The Crypto Priest (@knightofdelta) November 30, 2023

When did ‘On your mandate we shall stand’ become the national anthem, which is meant to be sung on specific occasions? E shock me o!

Many tweeps are also in shock, too.

Aaaah ! We don change National anthem?🤣

— ACADEMIA Thesis_Help_Dissertation_Business Plans (@AcademiaSpec) November 30, 2023

So Tinubu is now bigger than Nigeria??

— Man City Principal 🕒 (@BarcaPrincipal) November 30, 2023

It’s beyond ridiculous. God abeg

— Kene (@pilawk) November 30, 2023

This move merely demonstrates giving one person or political party priority over national value. It also says a lot about the tenth National Assembly and its leadership.

Prioritising an individual or party over national interests is unacceptable. The National Assembly is a place for the serious business of lawmaking, and the presentation of the 2024 Appropriation Bill by the president was not a political party event but one of national significance.

The basis of a stable and functional society is threatened when individual interests are prioritised over the welfare of the country as a whole. This can also result in the neglect of more important issues that are necessary for the advancement of the country.

The National Assembly leadership must ensure that such an act is not repeated in the interest of national unity and value.

Photo source: Presidency Nigeria