Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has argued that national unity cannot be achieved solely through the national anthem. He highlighted that true unity stems from upholding the values of freedom, justice, and equity. Sani made these comments during a Democracy Day dinner at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Wednesday.
In his address to President Bola Tinubu, Sani underscored the importance of the president’s success. He stated, “Mr. President, it’s crucial to understand that a national anthem, pledge, or constitution cannot by themselves unite a nation. Unity is forged through commitment to the ideals of freedom, equity, and justice.
Sani noted that Nigeria’s democracy was neither a gift from the military nor a stroke of luck; it was earned through relentless struggle and sacrifice. He reminded President Tinubu of his significant responsibility to succeed, saying, “Mr. President, your success is vital. If you succeed, it will be a shared triumph, given your roots in the struggle for democracy.
“On the other hand, if you fail, it will cast doubt on the contributions of those who fought for democracy.”
Sani’s remarks emphasize that true national unity is built on concrete actions and a steadfast commitment to democratic principles, rather than merely relying on symbolic gestures like the national anthem or pledge.
