Despite government officials’ urging to reject rallies, protesters took to the streets today in several states, including Lagos, Ogun, and Rivers, to express discontent over economic hardship and growing hunger.
In a symbolic gesture, protesters recited the old national anthem, evoking a sense of nostalgia and unity among the demonstrators, in stark contrast to President Bola Tinubu’s claims that the new anthem fosters harmony and unity.
On the eve of the protests, government officials had appealed to young activists to give President Tinubu’s reforms time to take hold and improve the economy, but their plea fell on deaf ears.
President Tinubu’s decision to change the national anthem to “Nigeria, we hail thee” on May 29th, has been widely criticized, with many arguing it is an attempt to erase the country’s history and identity.
Many Nigerians are divided over the role of the new anthem in bringing a seemingly fractionated country closer, with some seeing it as a symbol of unity and others as a divisive tool.
Protesters across various states joined the demonstrations, demanding action from the government to address the country’s economic woes.
The protests were sparked by the growing economic hardship and hunger faced by Nigerians, with many struggling to make ends meet amidst soaring prices and inflation.
