The clerk to the NASS, Sani Magaji Tambawal, had in a statement announced that Mr. President will ne addressing joint sitting of the lawmakers on May 29th to commemorate 25 years of unbroken democracy and Legislature in Nigeria.
However, confusion ensued as Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale said the President will not be available, saying the presidency was not involved in the plan of events.
The day seems to be going the way of Ngelale when at about 11:30am the President was not in sight for an event that was scheduled for 10am.
In what appeared to be a surprise, the President stepped into the NASS complex at 12:28pm, accompanied by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima.
Upon his arrival, the lawmakers recited the new national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee” which the President had earlier signed into law.
Addressing the lawmakers, Tinubu hailed their efforts in sustaining the nation’s democracy for 25 years.
“Out of respect, I want to say thank you very much. This is the institution building the country.
“Our friends, old and new, to every Nigerian, I say congratulations to 25 years of unbroken democracy”, he said.
On the new national anthem which was signed into law earlier today, the President said it represent the diversity in the country.
He also commended the lawmakers for collaborating with the executive in building the nation, saying no foreign aid will be enough, and All Nigerians must work to make the nation for generations yet unborn.
The Senate and the House of Representatives had previously passed the legislation to swap the national anthem from “Arise, O Compatriots” to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” at separate sittings.
The old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, composed when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, has replaced the “Arise, O Compatriots” anthem.
Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria during its independence, penned the lyrics for “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” while Frances Berda composed the music. The anthem played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s.
