As the controversy trailing the reintroduction of the old national anthem persists, a constitutional lawyer, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, has advised Nigerians to respect the anthem, saying failure to do so has consequences.
Ajulo, SAN who is the current Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, in an E-statement sent to BAR & BENCH WATCH said the “The Nigerian National Anthem Act stipulates that failure to stand during the rendition of the anthem is an offense punishable by imprisonment, fine and or both fine and imprisonment”
President Bola Tinubu had stirred a controversy having signed a bill reinstating the former national anthem which was widely condemned partly because it was composed by a Briton as against the indigenous one.
Besides, the president’s assent came at a time when Nigerians are going through economic hardship occasioned by the removal of the fuel subsidy regime and the subsequent devaluation of the naira twice.
While some parties feel the re-introduction of the old national anthem is the least change Nigeria needs at the moment, others hold that the change was long overdue,
In fact, some notable Nigerians vowed not to stand during rendition of the anthem.
But las Thursday, Tinubu cleared the minds of Nigerians during a meeting with the Arewa Consultative Forum at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday that changing the “Arise O Compatriot” anthem to the old “Nigeria we hail thee” is one of his priorities.
He pushed back against criticism, asserting that the reintroduction of the old national anthem is a valid priority, contrary to claims that it was a misplaced one.
Reacting, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, in a statement titled: Legal implication of new-old national anthem, says: “As a concerned citizen and legal practitioner, I feel compelled to address a pressing matter.
“I have been dismayed by recent commentaries from certain individuals who brazenly boast about their disdain for the New-Old Nigerian National Anthem.
“They openly defy the law, refusing to stand, sing, or show respect when the anthem is played.
“Let them be reminded that such actions are considered a grave sign of disrespect and can incur serious legal consequences.
“The Nigerian National Anthem Act stipulates that failure to stand during the rendition of the anthem is an offense punishable by imprisonment, fine and or both fine and imprisonment
“I implore all to take heed and show the necessary respect for our national anthem,” he added.
