Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari forwarded the names of a clutch of persons who’ll man the country’s missions abroad, to parliament a few days ago. Their screening commenced this week.
Everything went well during screening until the nominees were asked to recite Nigeria’s pledge and intone the national anthem. Small fry? Not exactly.
Below is what transpired from a clip that’s been making the rounds online.
— Seun Anikulapo Kuti (@RealSeunKuti) July 29, 2016
Well, you can’t blame these guys, some of whom left secondary school decades ago. We also do not think asking ambassadorial nominees to sing the anthem is the litmus test for settling for the best. It’s an outdated ritual that should be expunged from parliamentary grilling sessions.
Which is not to say we all shouldn’t learn the words of the national anthem or try to recall what we were taught in primary school. For love of country or not.
It’s still your country…Duh!!!
And because we are such nice guys around here and because you never know if you’ll be the next ambassadorial nominee who doesn’t want to disgrace himself before the kids watching back home, here goes….
ANTHEM
Arise, O compatriots
Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom with
Peace and unity.
Oh God of creation
Direct our noble cause
Guide our leaders right
Help our youth the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace
And justice shall reign.
THE PLEDGE
I pledge to Nigeria my country,
To be faithful, loyal and honest.
To serve Nigeria with all my strength,
To defend her unity,
And uphold her honour and glory,
So help me God.
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