A proposal, before the House of Representatives committee on the review of the constitution, demanding name change of Nigeria to United Africans Republic (UAR) has gotten some Nigerians tongue-lashing the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
The name change request submitted by Adeleye Jokotoye, a tax consultant in Lagos state, argued that the name — Nigeria — was not coined by a citizen but given to the country by Flora Shaw, wife of Lord Lugard, a colonialist.
Mr Jokotoye thereafter suggested that the country be renamed United Africans Republic (UAR) as it will be foster peace in the country.
“First and foremost, I want to recommend a name change from Nigeria to the United Africans Republic (UAR),” he suggested.
“The significance of name change cannot be over emphasized. Even God our father, in the Holy books, changed names of prophets e.g. Saul to Paul, Jacob to Israel, etc. The reason for name change is to physically and psychologically reflect a new beginning.
“Thus, at this crossroads in our history, it is mandatory that we change our name to reflect a new beginning which will be ushered in with a new constitution. The word ‘Africa’ is a Greek word meaning ‘Without Cold’. Africa was originally called ‘Alkebulan’, meaning ‘Mother of Mankind’ (Garden of Eden).
“Alkebulan is the oldest and the only word of indigenous origin used by Moors, Nubians and Ethiopians. So, if we like, we can go a step further and name our nation, United Alkebulan Republic (meaning ‘United Mother of Mankind Republic),” he added.
But his proposal had triggered reactions on social media with many implicating the Buhari administration of harbouring a sinister motive. The outrage has forced presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, to refute the speculations.
“It’s not the Nigerian government, particularly, Pres Buhari that submitted the change of name proposal, it’s an individual or a group that submitted it,” Mr Ahmad said on Twitter Thursday. “But a large number of people have already taken it to their head, accusing the President of something he absolutely no hand in.”
https://twitter.com/BashirAhmaad/status/1400451763950415876?s=20
Below are few comical reactions that trailed the proposal trending on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/DE_COMMUNICATOR/status/1400348571996758016?s=20
Dear Nigeria, you've exceeded your borrowing limit.
United african republic: pic.twitter.com/x3VfwZVbxQ
— Onyekibe Favour (@OnyekibeFavour) June 2, 2021
China when United African Republic shows up to return the loans Nigeria collected pic.twitter.com/hl1qRCvZql
— FavYorubaDogEater (@tbase_official) June 2, 2021
‘United African Republic’ they wan force the unity on us ????
— MBAH (@Mbahdeyforyou) June 3, 2021
China: But you’re the one we gave money to
N̷i̷g̷e̷r̷i̷a̷ UAR: Come, look here under “Country name”. No no, no look that side wey e be like say dem use correcting fluid cancel, look this side wey clear. Wetin you see there? No be United African Republic? pic.twitter.com/ZEmRU7ufgd
— Four-eyed Edo Boy™ (@Alex_Houseof308) June 3, 2021
United African Republic trying to hide from the debt Nigeria is owing China pic.twitter.com/Cd9oDZ9cGL
— Dr Penking™???????????????? (@drpenking) June 2, 2021
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.
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) June 2, 2021
Which one is United African Republic again? I just want to have Light na. pic.twitter.com/eCfM4F6ko7
— ???? (@lorde_withus) June 2, 2021
United African Republic?
Nigeria is a problem already and you people want to length the name? pic.twitter.com/WDfPtX2sty— Obong Hanson | Social Media Manager (@Obong_Hanson) June 2, 2021
Changing Nigeria's Name To 'United African Republic' Won't Make Any Difference. They Can Change The Name To 'Golden Heaven' For All I Care. As Long As We're Still Together In This Forced Contraption, The Fundamental Problems Remains Unchanged. DISINTEGRATION Is The Only Way Out! pic.twitter.com/8Js8HD7xBA
— Somto Okonkwo (@General_Somto) June 2, 2021
https://twitter.com/OgbeniPrince/status/1400198751109722113?s=20
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.
— Timi Dakolo (@timidakolo) June 2, 2021
Person go sleep for Nigeria, then wake up for United African Republic pic.twitter.com/3shxp852dH
— Caleb of Lagos (@caleboflagos) June 2, 2021
In Nigeria,
We asked for police reforms, they changed uniformWe asked for to endsars, they change name
Prison reforms, they change name to correctional facility
Country Dey boil, na to change name be the Koko
United African Republic kor
Uranium ni— KiNG D!V!NE Esq (@Divineze) June 2, 2021
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?
— Slimfit (@iSlimfit) June 2, 2021
They wan do baptism for Nigeria , which one be United African Republic again????????♂️
— MBAH (@Mbahdeyforyou) June 2, 2021
Arise, O compatriots,
United African Republic call obey
To serve our Fatherland
With love and strength and faith.
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain,
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity. pic.twitter.com/mwhvy1hJAs— Dibi (@xatbiodam) June 2, 2021