{
  "id": 19791046,
  "title": "Omokri knocks Obi, supporters for reciting old national anthem",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/omokri-knocks-obi-supporters-for-reciting-old-national-anthem-19791046",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T10:19:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/omokri-knocks-obi-supporters-for-reciting-old-national-anthem/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has criticised Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and his supporters for rejecting the current national anthem during a town hall meeting in Lagos. Omokri argued that the Constitution, national anthem, and national football team were apolitical symbols that unite Nigerians, and that disrespecting them could undermine citizens' trust in their leaders. The controversy erupted after Obi and other NDC members recited the former national anthem, 'Arise, O Compatriots', instead of the restored 'Nigeria, We Hail Thee' during the event. Omokri cited Section 24(a) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates Nigerian citizens to respect the country's constitution and national symbols. He questioned the political leadership aspirations of those who disregard the country's constitutional provisions and national symbols, asking how they expect 235 million Nigerians to trust them with their fate.",
  "summary": "Reno Omokri has criticised Peter Obi and his supporters for reciting the old national anthem at a town hall meeting in Lagos after its recent replacement. Read More: https://punchng.com/omokri-knocks-obi-supporters-for-reciting-old-national-anthem/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}