Reactions as Reps receive proposal for name change of Nigeria to United Africans Republic

By
Daniel Ayinime
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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

https://twitter.com/OgbeniPrince/status/1400198751109722113?s=20

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