Reno Omokri Criticises Peter Obi Supporters for Singing Old National Anthem

(Reno Omokri. Photo by TVC News)
Reno Omokri, Nigeria's Ambassador to Mexico, has criticised Peter Obi and his NDC supporters for singing the old national anthem instead of the current one at a Lagos political event.

In a statement on Friday, Omokri said the Constitution, the national anthem and the Super Eagles belong to no party and should unite all Nigerians.

He said anyone who openly disrespects these symbols should not ask people to trust them with leadership.

The row started at the NDC town hall in Oregun on Thursday.

Obi and supporters sang "Arise, O Compatriots" rather than "Nigeria, We Hail Thee", the anthem currently in use.

Omokri said the current anthem came back through the National Anthem Act 2024, which President Bola Tinubu signed on May 29 2024.

He cited Section 24(a) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires every citizen to respect the country's national symbols and institutions.

He also said only the President and the National Assembly have the power to choose the national anthem.

He asked how voters could trust someone who would disrespect those symbols without apology, adding that the question matters for the next election.