Video : Outrage as Aisha Yesufu snubs new national anthem

Popular activist and businesswoman, Aisha Somtochukwu Yesufu, has sparked controversies on X, formerly called Twitter, after she openly snubbed the newly re-introduced national anthem.

With the hashtag #NotMyNationalAnthem, the co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, which brought attention to the kidnapping of more than 200 girls from a secondary school in Chibok, Nigeria on the 14th of April, 2014, uploaded a video of herself firmly seated at an event while others stood to recite the national anthem.

Yesufu’s decision to move has sparked a heated debate online, with many Nigerians expressing their anger and disbelief at her actions.

Recall that the new national anthem was introduced by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government as part of the efforts to promote unity and patriotism.

Reacting to her decision to remain seated while the anthem is being recited, a user, @AEberenwu argued that the activist was not comfortable despite her “errant behavior.”

He said, “Just take a look at yourself as the Anthem went on. You were very uncomfortable because of your deviant errant behavior. Just watch your video again and assess yourself.”

@Badlieutenant said called on the government to question Aisha for her civil disobedience.

He said, “This is a disrespect to rule of law. Government authorities should invite her for questioning.”

While she was severely knocked by some netizens, others hailed Yesufu as a hero for standing up against what she perceives as a pointless and hurriedly approved change.

@kellybonito stressed, “What is there to talk about? She did what every sane Nigerian should be doing, but fear has gripped us. How could they just wake up, in the midst of an economic crisis in Nigeria, and all they think of is changing the national anthem?”

As the online debate rages on, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to Yesufu’s defiance and the wider implications for national unity and identity.

Watch video here