Senator Shehu Sani Reveals New Name Nigeria Should Be Given
- Former federal lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has also shared his thoughts on the proposal asking the House of Reps to change Nigeria’s name to ‘United Africans Republic’
- The Kaduna-born politician and activist said Nigeria does not necessarily need to change its name
- Nevertheless, Senator Sani proposed "The Republic of SONGHAI" as the new name, should the nation decide to go for rechristening
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FCT, Abuja - Senator Shehu Sani, a former federal lawmaker from Kaduna state, says it is not necessary to change Nigeria's name.
However, the political activist said should the country decide to go for a change of name, "The Republic of SONGHAI" should be adopted.
Source: Twitter
He explained in a tweet posted on Thursday, June 3, seen by Legit.ng that the ancient Songhai empire extended to parts of present Nigeria.
The tweet reads:
"The name Ghana was derived from an ancient African Kingdom that never extended to the Present territory of Ghana.
"Change of name is not necessary but if we must Change,it should be The Republic of SONGHAI; the ancient Songhai empire extended to parts of the present Nigeria."
Legit.ng notes that the former lawmaker made the suggestion following the proposal submitted to the House of Representatives committee on the review of the constitution asking Nigeria to be renamed the “United Africans Republic (UAR)”.
The National Assembly is currently in the process of altering the constitution and making amendments to it.
The proposal for the change of the country’s name was submitted to the committee by Adeleye Jokotoye, a tax consultant in Lagos state, on Wednesday, June 3, Legit.ng earlier reported.
In his submission, Jokotoye said the name, Nigeria, was not coined by a citizen but given to the country by Flora Shaw, wife of Lord Lugard, a colonialist.
He argued that for the country to be united, its name needs to be changed, adding that it will foster peace among citizens.
Other Nigerians react
The development has generated wide reactions from Nigerians on social media.
Gimba Kakanda, @gimbakakanda, a newspaper columnist, said:
"As silly as this may seem, I endorse the proposed renaming of Nigeria. But I prefer the name “Songhai” as once advocated by Prof. @farooqkperogi. Or any noble name that predated colonial or European presence. Almost all countries discarded their colonial name after independence."
JJ. Omojuwa, @Omojuwa, a PR expert and social media influencer, said:
"Must have thought United in the name makes the country rich. United African Republic (UAR) like the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, United States. Lol. Someone spent weeks working on that idea. Probably even got a grant. Lol. I am tired."
Popular musician, Timi Dakolo, @timidakolo, also tweeted:
"Now that you people are planning to change Nigeria’s name to United African Republic, What will I do with My Great nation song?!
"Una Dey stress me too much."
Reality TV star, TACHA, @Symply_Tacha, also joined the conversation. She tweeted:
"United African Republic??
"Renaming Nigeria is not Nigerians PROBLEM!! Give us GOOD ROADS, SECURITY, ELECTRICITY, HEALTH CARE.. Just give us BASIC AMENITIES."
Another Nigerian, Wale Adetona, @iSlimfit, said on Twitter:
"Renaming the country United African Republic will not change anything. People just want security, light, good roads and a working economy. Is that too much to ask for?"
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In other news, Senator Sani has weighed in on the debate over whether or not the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) should be scrapped.
Legit.ng had reported that the House of Representatives was considering a bill to scrap the NYSC. The bill titled the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Alteration Bill, 2020, was sponsored by Awaji-Inombek Abiante.
However, reacting to the bill, Senator Sani said the NYSC should not be scrapped noting that the scheme is "needed now more than ever before".
Source: Legit.ng
