Former senator, Shehu Sani, has expressed his belief that merely changing the national anthem will not be sufficient to unite Nigeria.
According to Sani, true unity can only be achieved if the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, establishes a government based on the principles of freedom, justice, and equity.
These remarks were made by Sani during a special dinner held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja to commemorate Democracy Day.
He emphasized that a nation cannot be united solely by a national anthem, pledge, or constitution. Instead, it requires the embodiment of ideals such as freedom, equity, and justice.
Sani urged President Tinubu to lead the nation with these principles in mind, reminding him that democracy was attained through struggle and sacrifice.
He made it clear that the success of the President’s leadership would be a shared accomplishment for all those who fought for democracy, while any failure would reflect poorly on their efforts.
In his address, Sani stated, “Mr. President, I would like to draw your attention to this fact and truth: a national anthem cannot alone unite a nation, nor can a national pledge or constitution. A nation finds unity in the pursuit of freedom, equity, and justice.”
He continued, “This democracy was not bestowed upon us by the military, nor was it a stroke of luck. It was the result of arduous struggle and sacrifice. Mr. President, it is your duty to succeed.
If you do, we will share in your glory, for you emerged from the trenches, from that period of struggle. However, if you falter, it will be said that those who fought for democracy have nothing new to offer Nigeria.”
