Omokri criticises Peter Obi over use of previous nationwide anthem at Lagos gathering

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his supporters for singing the previous nationwide anthem at a political gathering in Lagos.

Omokri, in a press release issued on Friday, stated the Constitution, nationwide anthem and Super Eagles had been nationwide symbols that ought to unite Nigerians regardless of their political affiliations.

He argued that anybody looking for the nation’s highest political workplace ought to reveal respect for the nation’s establishments and symbols, warning that those that overtly disregard them shouldn’t anticipate Nigerians to entrust them with management.

The controversy adopted an incident on the NDC city corridor assembly held in Oregun, Lagos, on Thursday, the place Obi, celebration members and supporters sang ‘Arise, O Compatriots’ as an alternative of ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’, which is presently Nigeria’s nationwide anthem.

Omokri cites Constitution

Reacting to the event, Omokri referenced Section 24(a) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which requires each Nigerian citizen to abide by the Constitution and respect its beliefs, establishments, nationwide symbols and lawful authorities.

He maintained that the nationwide anthem was not a political image that may very well be accepted or rejected based on particular person or celebration preferences.

The ambassador additionally argued that the authority to find out the nationwide anthem rests with the President and the National Assembly, slightly than people or political teams.

Nigeria returned to its authentic nationwide anthem, ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’, following the National Anthem Act 2024, signed into regulation by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2024.

The anthem changed ‘Arise, O Compatriots’, which had been in use since 1978.

Questions Obi’s management credentials

Omokri additional described the Constitution, nationwide anthem and Super Eagles as three essential symbols able to bringing Nigerians collectively past political, ethnic and spiritual variations.

He questioned why Nigerians ought to entrust their future to a presidential aspirant who, based on him, was prepared to overtly disrespect the nation’s nationwide symbols.

He stated the incident raised questions in regards to the sort of management Nigerians ought to anticipate from somebody looking for to manipulate the nation.

Omokri requested how Obi anticipated 235 million Nigerians to belief him with their future if he couldn’t reveal respect for the Constitution, nationwide anthem and nationwide soccer workforce.

He added that the difficulty ought to concern voters because the nation approaches one other election cycle.

In his phrases, “If you are prepared to openly and unapologetically disrespect these symbols, how can Nigerians trust you?”