Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has questioned the judgment of Peter Obi and members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following their decision to sing Nigeria’s former national anthem at a political gathering in Lagos.
Titiansloaded reports that the minister’s criticism came after Obi, the party’s governorship candidate in Lagos, Funso Doherty, and other participants sang ‘Arise O Compatriots’ during an NDC town hall meeting held on Thursday.
The gathering attracted attention after footage of the incident circulated on social media, showing the politicians and attendees singing the anthem that was replaced by ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’.
Speaking during an interview with Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Keyamo described the action as an affront to the country’s national symbols and the laws governing their use.
He argued that political parties seeking control of the country should demonstrate respect for its institutions, particularly the presidency, rather than engage in conduct he considered disrespectful.
Keyamo maintained that Nigerians should assess whether the conduct displayed at the meeting reflected the discipline and sense of responsibility required of individuals seeking public office.
The minister also suggested that the incident could damage the NDC’s appeal among moderate voters and those he described as intellectually discerning.
He acknowledged that some people might interpret the decision to sing the previous anthem as an expression of political resistance. However, he questioned whether such an approach would translate into meaningful electoral support.
Keyamo went further to describe those who might support the party because of the incident as irresponsible, expressing confidence that voters would ultimately determine its political consequences at the ballot box.
Despite his strong criticism, the minister admitted that he was unaware of any specific punishment prescribed by law for singing the former national anthem.
He explained that although legislation established ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’ as the country’s official anthem, it did not expressly provide a penalty for anyone who continued to sing the previous version.
According to Keyamo, the absence of a legally prescribed sanction meant that singing the old anthem could not automatically be treated as a criminal offence.
His comments have added another dimension to the political disagreement surrounding Obi’s participation in the NDC gathering and the continued debate over Nigeria’s return to its former national anthem.
