FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN
Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Olatunji Disu has been called upon to caution Nigerians against singing the former national anthem at public events and protests, warning that such actions could incite unrest.
Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Emperor Jarret Tenebe stated this while reacting to the singing of the proscribed National Anthem by some individuals and groups in Benin.
Tenebe argued that continuing to use the old anthem, despite its replacement, could violate established national protocols.
He recalled that President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2024, signed into law, the reinstatement of Nigeria’s original anthem, thereby officially replacing the old one which had been in use since 1978.
The reinstated anthem was originally adopted at independence on October 1, 1960 before being replaced during the military era under Olusegun Obasanjo.
Tenebe cited recent incidents where the old anthem was used by some people at political gatherings, pointing to an event involving Senator Dino Melaye, who allegedly led supporters in singing the old anthem during a protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
He also mentioned a meeting of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Ibadan where the same anthem was reportedly sung.
According to him, though singing the old anthem is not inherently a crime, but it becomes an offence if it is used to incite division, disrupt public order or stir unrest. In such cases, he warned, it could be considered seditious and subject to criminal penalties.
He disclosed that he had already written to the relevant authorities, including the police, Department of State Services, DSS, and INEC, urging them to take action, warning that if no steps were taken within seven days, he would proceed to court to compel enforcement.
He emphasised that Nigeria is governed by law and that actions capable of undermining unity or public order must be addressed accordingly.
