Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, has threatened to institute legal proceedings against the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, over the alleged use of the old national anthem at political gatherings, if security agencies fail to act within seven days.
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Tenebe, who issued the warning during a Zoom interview with TVC, said he had already petitioned the Inspector General of Police, the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, calling for urgent intervention.
“I have written to the relevant authorities, including the police, DSS and INEC, to take necessary steps on this matter. If nothing is done within seven days, I will have no option but to go to court to compel enforcement.”
The APC chairman expressed concern over what he described as the growing use of the former national anthem, “Arise O Compatriots,” at public events and protests, warning that such actions could trigger unrest if not checked.
According to him, while singing the old anthem is not in itself a criminal offence, it becomes punishable when deployed in a manner capable of inciting division or disrupting public order.
“Singing the old anthem is not inherently a crime. But when it is used to incite people, cause division or stir unrest, then it becomes an offence and can be treated as seditious,” he said.
He cited instances where the anthem was allegedly rendered at political gatherings, including a protest reportedly led by Dino Melaye against INEC, as well as a meeting of the ADC in Ibadan.
Tenebe maintained that Nigeria operates under established laws and protocols, insisting that actions capable of undermining national unity must not be tolerated.
“This country is governed by law. Anything that threatens our unity or public order must be addressed accordingly,” he said.
He further warned that individuals found culpable could face up to two years imprisonment, while political parties involved risk sanctions, including possible deregistration.
President Bola Tinubu, on May 29, 2024, signed into law the reinstatement of Nigeria’s original national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” replacing “Arise O Compatriots,” which had been in use since 1978.
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