‘It’s Ridiculous’: Amaechi Slams Tinubu Over National Anthem Change, Questions Priorities

Former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to restore Nigeria’s former national anthem, arguing the move is a poor priority given the country’s pressing economic and security challenges.

Key points

Amaechi called attention to the anthem change on Channels Television’s Politics Today, saying Nigerians struggling to afford basic needs would not consider the anthem a priority.

He cited a widely reported figure of about ₦12 billion linked to the anthem change but acknowledged the amount could not be independently verified during the interview.

Tinubu signed the law restoring “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the national anthem in May 2024, replacing “Arise, O Compatriots,” used since 1978.

Amaechi: anthem change misses the mark

“It’s ridiculous that the President wakes up and what bothers him is national anthem,” Amaechi said, arguing that many Nigerians are more concerned with food, school fees and access to public services than symbolic changes.

Money better spent on services, he says

Amaechi referred to the reported ₦12 billion sum and said, if accurate, the funds could have been used to build healthcare centres. The programme’s anchor noted the ₦12 billion figure has not been independently confirmed; Amaechi himself said he could not personally verify it. The amount should therefore not be presented as established government expenditure without further evidence.

Focus on lived reality and government impact

Throughout the interview, Amaechi argued government policies should be judged by their effects on ordinary citizens. “What is in my pocket? What I can feed on? How much I can provide for myself?” he asked, pressing that official economic indicators need to match everyday experience.

Wider critique of Tinubu administration

Amaechi used the anthem issue to underline a broader critique of the Tinubu government, challenging it to name tangible projects completed under its watch and comparing visible projects under the previous administration. He said citizens should see improvements in infrastructure and services, not only policy announcements.

Fuel prices and personal stakes

Fuel cost featured prominently in Amaechi’s remarks. He said he would publicly campaign for the President if petrol prices fell to ₦600 per litre, adding he would withdraw as a vice-presidential candidate in that event. He said he planned to visit a filling station personally to test claims that petrol prices had dropped.

Policy prescriptions and 2027 context

Amaechi urged future administrations to prioritise security, the economy, education and energy policy. He advocated examining the legal framework around petroleum subsidy and described a “production subsidy” approach as one option. His comments come as political actors position ahead of the 2027 general elections; Amaechi is the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress alongside Atiku Abubakar.

What to keep in mind

The ₦12 billion figure tied to the anthem change remains unverified in the interview. Treat it as a reported claim, not confirmed expenditure.

Amaechi’s comments are political criticism from an opposition figure and reflect his perspective on priorities and policy.

Source: Phoneix browser