A video from the latest Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting has sparked reactions online after appearing to show President Bola Tinubu and some senior government officials struggling to recite the reinstated national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

The clip, which circulated widely on social media on Tuesday, captured officials during the opening of the FEC meeting, with some seemingly uncertain about portions of the anthem.

Video triggers reactions

The footage was first shared by several social media users, with many commenting on the apparent hesitation displayed during the rendition of the anthem.

The viral clip reignited public debate over the Federal Government’s decision to restore “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the country’s national anthem in 2024.

While some Nigerians found the moment humorous, others argued it reflected the difficulty many citizens still face in adapting to the restored anthem.

Anthem restored in 2024

President Tinubu signed the National Anthem Bill into law in May 2024, replacing “Arise, O Compatriots” with “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” the anthem Nigeria used at independence before it was changed in 1978.

The move generated mixed reactions at the time, with supporters describing it as a step towards restoring national identity, while critics questioned its priority amid the country’s economic and security challenges.

No official response

The Presidency has not issued any statement regarding the viral video or the reactions it has generated.

The FEC meeting itself focused on several policy issues, including discussions on the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s removal from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and other government matters.

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