For two weeks, federal lawmakers have been traversing the country collating citizens’ views to amend the constitution with and the idea was to gather suggestions for amendments such as electoral reforms and the system of government.
But one citizen Adeleye Jokotoye a tax consultant dropped a bombshell at the hearing in Lagos that he wants the name of the country changed as it was imposed by Nigeria’s past colonial masters and now there is a need to adopt a new name.
The name Nigeria was suggested in the late 19th century by British journalist Flora Shaw who would later marry the British colonial administrator Lord Frederick Lugard.
It is derived from the River Niger which enters the country from the northwest and flows down to the Niger Delta where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean through its many tributaries.
But Mr. Jokotoye wants the name changed and his choice of United African Republic to reflect the hundreds of ethnic groups that comprise the country has blown a storm.
However, the Twitter users have a theory where the idea for the United African Republic or UAR came from.
There is already a new anthem which isn’t entirely new but a remix of the “old” Nigeria’s:
Which made musician Timi Dakolo famous for his patriotic Great Nation song which is a staple at some official events, wonder what becomes of his music. Maybe a remix, Mr Dakolo?:
But not everyone saw the joke in Mr. Jokotoye’s proposal and some were quick to set the country’s priorities right: