Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has sparked debate after a video of her sitting during the recitation of the new National Anthem went viral.
The human rights advocate remained seated while others stood for the anthem at a recent event.
When questioned by a journalist about her actions, Yesufu expressed her strong stance, stating, “As far as I’m concerned, there’s no such thing as a new and old National Anthem. The only anthem I recognize is ‘Arise, O Compatriots.’”
Yesufu criticised politicians for focusing on trivial matters instead of addressing significant issues such as the country’s declining GDP, poor security, and the mass exodus of companies from Nigeria. She reiterated her refusal to acknowledge the ‘We Hail Thee’ anthem, emphasising her allegiance to ‘Arise, O Compatriots.’
“I will continue to sit if the ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’ anthem is played at any event,” she affirmed.
Yesufu’s stance has ignited discussions about national identity and the priorities of the country’s leadership.
