Lawmakers love Nigeria, Akpabio gives reason for return to colonial times anthem, says national assembly will continue to “rubber stamp” Tinubu

By Kingston Magare 3.10.2026
Nigeria’s Senate president Godswill Akpabio has disclosed that it was the love lawmakers have for their country and the desire to promote national unity, that made them approved the return to the colonial era national anthem.
Senator Akpabio who was speaking Friday when members and leadership of the National Assembly paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu at his resident in Lagos as part of the activities marking the Independence Day.
“That we are still together shows the resilience of this country. That Nigeria is still one. It shows the resilience of this country. It shows the love that God has for Nigeria,” Akpabio said.
“Even from when we changed the national anthem to what it is today, and what it was then at independence, it’s a clear reflection of the love we have for Nigeria: that though tongues and tribes may differ, in brotherhood we stand,” he said.
He added that the National Assembly will continue to cooperate with President Bola Tinubu administration: “On the part of the National Assembly, we want to continue to remain worthy partners to the administration of President Bola Tinubu. And we believe that what we are doing is in the interest of all Nigerians.”
He cited the passage of four major tax reform laws as evidence of the national assembly’s commitment to supporting Tinubu’s economic agenda.
“You’ve seen the reform in the tax system. Let me use the word economic system, with four major tax laws brought into the country at one time. Very voluminous, all of them,” he said.
“And then, because we’re able to digest them, we’re able to do what we ought to do. And we’re able to pass them in record time with the whole country in agreement.”