Banner Online News

By Chidi Peters Okorie

The controversy surrounding Peter Obi’s appearance at the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) town hall meeting in Lagos has exposed an unfortunate tendency in Nigerian politics: the readiness of some political supporters to transform every action by an opposition figure into a national controversy.

Obi attended the gathering on Thursday, November 12, where supporters sang Nigeria’s former national anthem, Arise, O Compatriots. As the crowd cheered, he raised his hand in acknowledgement, prompting an extraordinary reaction from some supporters of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), who accused him of disrespecting Nigeria, committing sacrilege and even displaying conduct amounting to treason.

Such accusations are not only excessive but reveal a troubling misunderstanding of the difference between a formal national ceremony and a political gathering where music is played for celebration.

The fundamental question is simple: was the former anthem being formally observed as Nigeria’s national anthem, or was it being played as music at a political gathering where supporters were singing, cheering and celebrating?

The distinction is essential.

When the national anthem is formally observed at an official ceremony, the established protocol requires participants to stand at attention and maintain a respectful posture. In Nigeria, this traditionally includes placing the right hand over the chest as a mark of respect and allegiance.

That solemn observance is entirely different from a political gathering where music is played over loudspeakers and supporters respond with singing, dancing and jubilation.

A familiar patriotic composition does not automatically become a formal national ceremony merely because people sing its lyrics. Context matters. Purpose matters. The nature of the occasion matters.

Obi was attending a political meeting, not presiding over a state ceremony. He did not operate the loudspeakers, select the musical programme or instruct supporters to conduct a formal national anthem observance. He acknowledged an enthusiastic audience while the gathering celebrated to the music.

Why should that be criminalised?

Nigeria’s former anthem served the country for decades. Its replacement by Nigeria, We Hail Thee, restored through legislation signed by President Tinubu in May 2024, did not erase its historical significance or turn its melody into forbidden music. Nigerians can disagree about the decision to restore the previous anthem while recognising the current legal position.

The old anthem remains part of Nigeria’s national history. Remembering it, singing it or appreciating its music does not amount to rejecting Nigeria.

More importantly, dancing to a musical rendition is not the same as deliberately refusing to perform a formal national duty. The two should not be confused simply to manufacture a political scandal.

The allegations of treason are even more irresponsible. Treason is a grave criminal offence with specific legal requirements. Section 37 of the Criminal Code Act addresses conduct such as levying war against the state to intimidate or overawe the President or a state governor. Raising a hand to acknowledge cheering supporters or dancing to a familiar song does not, by itself, establish any of those elements.

Section 24 of the Constitution also places civic responsibilities on Nigerian citizens, including respect for national institutions and symbols. However, constitutional duties must not be distorted into convenient instruments for attacking political opponents. An accusation of treason cannot be established through social media outrage, partisan interpretation or the personal indignation of political supporters.

There is a wider question about the meaning of patriotism in a democracy. Does loving Nigeria require citizens to surrender their individuality, political convictions and freedom of expression? Must every action by an opposition politician be subjected to the approval of supporters of the governing party?

The national anthem belongs to every Nigerian, not the APC, the presidency or any political movement. No political party has a monopoly on patriotism, and no group of supporters has the authority to determine who qualifies as a loyal citizen.

Those defending the restored anthem are entitled to their position. They can insist on its proper observance at official functions and make their arguments without resorting to insults or criminal allegations. Equally, Nigerians must be allowed to remember the country’s former anthem without being treated as enemies of the state.

The irony is that a national symbol intended to promote unity is being dragged into another round of partisan hostility.

Nigeria faces far more pressing challenges: insecurity, unemployment, poverty, rising living costs and deteriorating public confidence in governance. These are the issues demanding serious attention from political leaders and their supporters, not manufactured outrage over a politician acknowledging a cheering crowd.

Obi’s critics should distinguish between political disagreement and criminal conduct. If they believe a specific law was violated, they should identify the provision and establish the facts rather than substitute abuse for legal argument.

Patriotism is not a performance staged to satisfy political loyalists. It is demonstrated through respect for the country, its people, its laws and the rights of fellow citizens.

Peter Obi raising his hand to acknowledge supporters while a familiar Nigerian song played is not, in itself, treason, sacrilege or an act against the Nigerian state.

The national anthem should unite Nigerians, not become another weapon with which political opponents are attacked. Nigeria belongs to all its citizens, irrespective of the party they support.