Nigerians react to proposed change of Nigeria’s name to UAR

Hours after it was reported that the House of Representatives have received a proposal which suggested United African Republic or United Alkebulan Republic as Nigeria’s new name, it has become one of the trending topics on social media. 

Adeleye Jokotoye, a tax consultant submitted the proposal to the committee at the South West Zonal Public Hearing in Lagos on Wednesday, June 2, 2021.

He said Nigeria’s current name was an imposition of its past colonial masters and should be changed to reflect a new beginning physically and psychologically. 

His proposal read; 

First and foremost, I want to recommend a name change from Nigeria to the United Africans Republic (UAR).

The significance of name change cannot be overemphasised. 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).

The new constitution should also give room for continuous review as and when due, and future referendum if required also want to suggest the following.

The constitution should provide for a council for each of these offices where six members from each geo-political zone will be represented to take collective unanimous decisions for the office, instead of one man holding all the powers of the office.

These council members will attain the position by seniority and numbers of years in service, and they will each need a department in the service as well as being council members.

Nigerians have now taken to social media to to express their opinions concerning the proposal. See some below;