Sunday 2 October 2016

Tinubu, Dogara absent at Independence Celebration in Villa


President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday marked the nation’s independence day anniversary inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amidst tight security.

The nation’s 56th Independence anniversary was marked with Presidential Change of Guards Parade attended by top government officials, former Nigerian leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and captains of industry.

APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and House of Reps Speaker, Yakubu Dogara were absent at the event attended by the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed; and other principal officers of the National Assembly.

Due to security challenges, Nigeria's 50th anniversary in 2010 was the last held inside Eagles Square, Abuja where it usually held.

The event was marred by bombings, accusations and blames.

This year's anniversary which was strictly a military event featured military parade, change of guard, 21-gun salute, signing of anniversary register, release of pigeons and cutting of anniversary cake.

Former Nigerian leaders who attended the programme included former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.); former Chief of General Staff, Gen. Oladipo Diya (retd.); former Vice President Alex Ekwueme; former Vice President Namadi Sambo; a former President of the Senate, Ken Nnamani; and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba.

Others in attendance were chieftains of the APC led by the Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; members of the Federal Executive Council, and service chiefs.

No comments:

Post a Comment