Tinubu Highlights the Meaninglessness of Nigeria’s “Independence
By Farooq A. Kperogi
by
Leadership in a nation often entails the crucial task of cultivating and affirming a national identity. The actions and choices of presidents can reflect their dedication to this responsibility. By engaging in initiatives that promote national interests and cultural pride, leaders can enhance unity and purpose among citizens.
In fairness to Tinubu, he has made it clear from the outset of his presidency that he rejects any notion of national pride, opting instead to embrace a subservient attitude toward British colonialism. This was evident in his swift push to reinstate the outdated colonial national anthem through the National Assembly.
In my June 1, 2024, article titled “‘New’ National Anthem is National Self-Debasement,” I argued that it is an egregious act of national self-denigration to replace a homegrown anthem—flaws and all—with one crafted by imperialists from whom we claim to be independent.
“A nation whose independence anthem is rooted in the legacy of its colonial oppressors—more than sixty years post-independence—has forfeited its claim to true sovereignty,” I stated.
The national anthem should be a powerful symbol of our freedom and self-identity. “Arise, O Compatriots,” despite its imperfections, was created by Nigerian composers through a national competition in 1978.
An anthem should serve as a unifying call, reflecting the ideals and aspirations of the nation’s citizens. Returning to an anthem with colonial origins undermines Nigeria’s progress in establishing a post-colonial identity.
Thus, it is unsurprising that a president who carelessly discarded a locally crafted anthem for one written by a British woman is so enamored with colonial influence that he chose to travel to the former colonizer the day after celebrating independence.
This year, the usual patriotic enthusiasm on October 1 seemed to be lacking. Perhaps this is due to a widespread awareness of the government’s disinterest in fostering national pride, compounded by the pervasive hunger and despair across the country.
What value does patriotism hold when the leader of your nation is embarrassed enough to restore symbols of colonial oppression?
I was particularly struck by the official announcement of his trip to London, which indicated that he would use the two weeks for a “working vacation and retreat to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms.” Why must he travel to London to contemplate the devastation his IMF/World Bank policies are wreaking on Nigerians?
Nigeria is the epicenter of this crisis. That is where he should be, reflecting on the impact of his economic policies, which are already resulting in heightened poverty, despair, and the erosion of the middle class.
Perhaps Tinubu doesn’t need a vacation at all; he simply needs to step down from his lofty presidential perch and witness firsthand the suffering of ordinary Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of his h
arsh economic strategies.
