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President Goodluck Jonathan (fourth left), First
Lady Patience (fifth left) with (from left) Vice President Namadi Sambo, Former
Head of Interim Government Chief Ernest Shonekan, Former Head of State Gen.
Yakubu Gowon, Senate President David Mark, Deputy Speaker House Representatives
Emeka Ihedioha, Minister of Defence General Aliyu Gusau and Chief of Naval
Staff; Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin clapping after the cutting of Nigeria’s 54th
Independence Anniversary cake at the Forecourt of the Presidential Villa in
Abuja...yesterday. PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN
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Low key Independence celebration
in Abuja
A
low-key ceremony yesterday marked the country 54th Independence
anniversary. In what has become a pattern since the terror attack in Abuja when
Nigeria clocked 50, in 2010, the ceremony was confined to the Presidential
Villa.
The
presidential change of guard, which lasted for about two hours, was held
at the fore-court of the Presidential Villa. It was devoid of the normal full
military parade and entertainment.
In
the past, the ceremony was held at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
President
Goodluck Jonathan did not appear in his ceremonial military uniform.
The
President inspected the quarter guards before walking to the Villa forecourt to
receive the national salute which was followed by a rendition of the national
anthem.
Inspection
of new Guard/Quarter guard, silent drills, posting of sentries and colour
weapons and uniforms to ensure conformity with military standards. It was all
over.
Shortly
after the ceremony, Dr. Jonathan signed the anniversary register, released
pigeons from the cage. Assisted by some dignitaries, he cut the anniversary
cake.
At
the end of the event, former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon said: “I believe
in Nigeria. I love Nigeria and we all must work for Nigeria; that is everybody
– the government and the opposition – in order to make Nigeria great. That is
my wish. Nigeria will survive beyond 2015.”
House
of Representatives Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha said: “It is for us to
continue to resolve to build our country, and to resolve to commonly address
our common enemies and collectively decide to make Nigeria a great country.
Among those who attended
the ceremony were Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark,
former head of the Interim National Govt, Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Vice
President Alex Ekwueme; former Chief of General Staff Gen. Oladipo Diya,
ministers, top government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.
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