Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has addressed criticism surrounding the use of President Bola Tinubu's campaign song, 'On Your Mandate', at official events. Keyamo stated that the song is never played in place of Nigeria's national anthem, but rather sung by supporters after the national anthem has been rendered. This clarification comes amid comparisons with the singing of Nigeria's former national anthem. Keyamo's statement aims to alleviate concerns regarding the use of the campaign song.
According to Keyamo, the national anthem remains the first item at public gatherings, followed by supporters singing 'On Your Mandate' to welcome or celebrate President Tinubu. The minister emphasized that at no point do supporters sing the campaign song in place of the national anthem. He also defended the Police Band's use of the instrumental version of 'On Your Mandate' to announce Tinubu's arrival at public functions, citing established presidential protocol.
Keyamo drew parallels with past administrations, referencing former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari. During their tenures, similar musical arrangements were used to herald their arrival at the National Assembly and other public gatherings. The minister noted that the instrumental version of 'On Your Mandate' is played only after the national anthem has been performed.
The use of state anthems is also a common practice in Nigeria, with some states rendering their own anthems after the national anthem during official functions. Keyamo stressed that the use of a campaign or state anthem should be distinguished from singing an outlawed national anthem in place of the legally recognized one. He maintained that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is free to adopt any song for his campaign or personal use.
However, Keyamo accused the NDC of promoting secessionism, arguing that singing the former national anthem instead of the legally approved one suggests a desire to establish a separate country. The minister's statement has sparked further debate on the use of national symbols and campaign songs in Nigerian politics.
Keyamo's clarification aims to alleviate concerns regarding the use of President Tinubu's campaign song at official events. The minister's defense of the song's use has also raised questions about the role of national symbols in Nigerian politics. As the country continues to navigate its complex political landscape, the use of campaign songs and national anthems remains a contentious issue.
The controversy surrounding the use of 'On Your Mandate' highlights the ongoing debate about national identity and symbolism in Nigeria. Keyamo's statement has provided insight into the government's stance on the issue, but it remains to be seen how the matter will be resolved. The use of campaign songs and national anthems is likely to continue to be a topic of discussion in Nigerian politics.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has clarified that President Bola Tinubu's campaign song, 'On Your Mandate', is not used in place of the national anthem at official events.
- The use of the campaign song is part of established presidential protocol, with the Police Band playing an instrumental version to announce Tinubu's arrival.
- The controversy surrounding the song's use has raised questions about national identity and symbolism in Nigeria.
