Presidency Dismisses Viral FEC Old Anthem Video
Presidency says a viral video of officials reciting the old national anthem was recorded before the current anthem was adopted.
The Presidency has dismissed a viral video showing President Bola Tinubu, ministers and other officials reciting the old national anthem during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, saying the footage is not recent.
The FEC anthem video circulated widely on social media, with claims that it was recorded after a recent council meeting. In the clip, attendees appear to sing the former national anthem, which begins with “Arise O’ Compatriots,” after the President enters the meeting venue and greets those present with “good afternoon.”
Responding to the claims, the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Segun Dada, said the video was recorded during a 2023 or 2024 FEC meeting, before the current national anthem became official.
In a post on his 𝕏 account, Dada pointed to details in the footage that he said confirmed its age. He noted that the video shows former Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako, who resigned in October 2024 due to health reasons.
Dada also observed that the footage includes the Ministry of Niger Delta, which was dissolved in October 2024. He added that the current national anthem, beginning with “Nigeria, we hail thee,” officially came into effect on May 29, 2024.
“Verdict: This video was from a 2023/2024 FEC meeting,” Dada stated.
He also criticised those circulating the footage, saying: “We are unlucky to have these lots as the source of journalism in Nigeria when they keep working hard everyday to make a mess of the noble profession.”
The FEC anthem video has generated discussion online, but the Presidency insists the footage predates the adoption of the current national anthem and does not reflect proceedings at any recent Federal Executive Council meeting.
What role should fact-checking play before political videos are widely shared on social media?
