Nigerian Officials Accuse Peter Obi of Disrespecting National Anthem
Ambassador Reno Omokri and Minister Nyesom Wike criticized presidential candidate Peter Obi for allegedly disrespecting the national anthem and other symbols of Nigerian unity.
Nigerian government officials have accused presidential candidate Peter Obi of lawlessness and disrespecting national symbols following a town hall meeting in Lagos. Ambassador Reno Omokri criticized Obi and the Nigeria Democratic Congress for reciting the former national anthem, Arise, O Compatriots, instead of the current official anthem, Nigeria, We Hail Thee, which was restored by President Bola Tinubu in May 2024.
Omokri argued that the national anthem, the Constitution, and the national football team are apolitical symbols of unity. He cited Section 24(a) of the 1999 Constitution to emphasize the duty of citizens to respect these symbols, suggesting that those who do not should not be entrusted with national leadership.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike expanded these criticisms during a Rainbow Coalition town hall in Rivers State. Wike described Obi as a threat to national unity and alleged that the candidate remained seated during the national anthem while standing for a different one. Wike further attacked Obi's political record, claiming he failed to conduct local government elections during his tenure as governor of Anambra State. During the same event, Wike criticized former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Governor Rotimi Amaechi while urging residents to support President Tinubu's 2027 re-election.
