National Anthem Dispute: NDC Accuses Wike Of Diverting Attention From Economic Crisis

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his comments about the use of Nigeria’s former national anthem at a town hall meeting organised by Peter Obi in Lagos.

The party accused the minister of attempting to divert public attention from the country’s economic challenges by focusing on the controversy surrounding the singing of the old anthem.

According to information made available to Bush Radio Academy, the NDC’s National Campaign Council spokesperson, Dr Chiogo Ikokwu, issued the response after Wike criticised Obi during a Rainbow Coalition meeting in Ogu-Bolo, Rivers State.

Wike had alleged that Obi remained seated while the current national anthem was being sung but stood up when the former anthem was played at the Lagos gathering. He reportedly described the conduct as lawlessness capable of creating division in the country.

However, Ikokwu argued that Wike was not in a position to lecture others on political tolerance, unity and responsible leadership, citing controversies surrounding his political activities in Rivers State during the 2023 presidential election and his dealings with the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress.

“You cannot be an arsonist in your own backyard and turn up elsewhere preaching fire safety,” she said.

The NDC spokesperson further insisted that the minister should address issues within his political environment before criticising the conduct of others.

“Minister Wike has no moral authority to lecture others on political tolerance, unity or responsible leadership. He should put his own house in order before attempting to police the conduct of others,” she added.

Addressing the anthem controversy, the party explained that the singing of the former national anthem was not included in the programme but was initiated spontaneously by members of the audience.

Ikokwu also maintained that the gathering sang the current national anthem, pointing to another section of the circulating video as evidence.

“It was not scripted, orchestrated or planned by anyone,” she stated.

The party subsequently urged Wike to redirect his attention to the country’s economic situation, particularly the rising cost of living and the difficulties facing Nigerians.

“Minister Wike should stop distracting Nigerians from the gargantuan failures of the government he’s trying very hard to sell,” Ikokwu said.

“We need to focus on the issues that matter to Nigerians in this election — the economy, and the crippling hardship inflicted by the APC government,” she added.

The exchange has added another dimension to the political disagreement surrounding Peter Obi’s Lagos town hall meeting and the controversy over Nigeria’s national anthem.