NEWS
Presidency Clarifies Viral Video of President Tinubu Reciting Old National Anthem at FEC Meeting
The Presidency has dismissed as misleading a viral video circulating on social media which appears to show President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), and other government officials reciting the old national anthem during a recent council meeting.
The video, which gained widespread attention online, shows the President arriving at the FEC meeting venue, exchanging greetings with attendees by saying “good afternoon” before the gathering proceeds to sing the anthem beginning with the words, “Arise O’ Compatriots.”
The footage sparked reactions because Nigeria officially reverted to its former national anthem, which begins with “Nigeria, we hail thee,” following its reintroduction on May 29, 2024. This led many social media users to believe the old anthem had been mistakenly rendered during a recent Federal Executive Council meeting.
However, the Presidency has clarified that the footage is not recent.
Reacting to the viral clip, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Social Media, Segun Dada, explained in a post on his 𝕏 handle that the video originated from a Federal Executive Council meeting held in either 2023 or 2024, long before the current controversy.
Providing evidence to support the claim, he pointed out that the video featured officials who were no longer serving in government after October 2024.
According to him, “This video has the former Hon Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako at the 0:22 minutes. He resigned due to health reasons in October 2024.
“It also listed the HM, Ministry of Niger Delta Ministry, a ministry that was dissolved on October 2024.
“The new national anthem became official on May 29th, 2024.
“Verdict: This video was from a 2023/2024 FEC meeting.
“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 Presidency’s clarification is aimed at dispelling misinformation surrounding the widely shared clip and reaffirming that the footage does not reflect proceedings at any recent Federal Executive Council meeting. It also serves as a reminder of the increasing need to verify the authenticity and timeline of viral online content before drawing conclusions or sharing it further.