55TH INDEPENDENCE DAY: Low-Key Ceremony At Presidential Villa

FOR PEACE IN NIGERIA: President Buhari releasing a pigeon to signify peace during the Independence Day anniversary at Aso Villa...yesterday. Photo: Akin Oladokun

Nigeria had yesterday a low-profile 55th anniversary celebration — in the spirit of these times. President Muhammadu Buhari led key government officials, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki, House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Chief Justice Mahmud Mohammed and a host of former government officials to witness a change of guards at the Aso Villa.

The short military ceremony marked the climax of the activities for the anniversary.

There had been services at the mosque and the church.

The Nation report continues:

The two-hour ceremony at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, replaces the full military parade, drills and entertainments which normally hold at the Eagle Square, Abuja. The last was held in 2010, when there was a blast in Abuja for which the Movement for the Emancipation of Nigeria (MEND) claimed responsibility.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan marked all subsequent anniversaries in Aso Rock.

Yesterday’s event started with the arrival of President Buhari, who was dressed in full white babanriga with a white cap to match.

He inspected the quarter guards before walking to the Villa forecourt to receive the national salute, followed by the rendition of the National Anthem, “Arise O Compatriots.”.

There was a 21-gun salute in honour of the President.

The event witnessed the inspection of a new Guard/Quarter guard, silent drills, posting of sentries and colour parade, weapons and uniforms inspections to ensure conformity with military standards.

Shortly after the ceremony, the President signed the anniversary register and released pigeons from a cage. He was assisted by some top dignitaries to cut the anniversary cake. He did not make a speech.

Also at the ceremony were former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former Head of the Interim National Government Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Vice President Alex Ekwueme; former Chief of General of Staff Gen. Oladipo Diya; former Senate President Joseph Wayas, Service chiefs and members of the diplomatic corps.

Also there were All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman  Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako and Bayelsa State APC governorship candidate Timipre Sylva,

Saraki said Nigeria’s future “is bright”. He told reporters that it would not be business as usual in the country, adding that the National Assembly would continue to make laws that will impact positively on Nigerians.

He said: “I am hopeful and confident that the future is very bright. In the next few years, things will be even better.

“It will not be business as usual. We will ensure that the National Assembly will be people-oriented and will make laws that will make impact on Nigerians.”

Chief Justice Mohammed said: “We will make it by the grace of God. We are on the right path.”

Odigie-Oyegun, said Nigeria is now on the road to progress and prosperity.

“At 55, we have finally discovered that we are on the wrong road. We have finally moved to the road that leads to progress, hope, employment, prosperity and that will lead to Nigeria, finally attaining that greatness that God destined it for. We are on the way.” He stated