Buhari, Jonathan, others mark Independence anniversary in Abuja
on Saturday, The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), joined current and past leaders to mark Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day Anniversary parades held at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
At about 10:10 am, Special Guest, Buhari arrived at the venue after which he inspected the guards on parade, before receding to the State Box to observe the proceedings.
Proceedings which include parades and march pasts by members of the Army, Navy Airforce the Police, and cadets of the Nigeria Military School, Zaria, amongst others.
The march past also featured Paramilitary Agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Immigration, Federal Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, National Youth Service Corps, Nigeria Labour Congress, and the Nigeria Legion.
The ceremony also featured cultural displays by various dancing troupes, silent drills and fly-past displays by the Nigerian Air Force; with some of the Super-Tucano jets recently procured for anti-terrorism combat.
Afterwards, Buhari signed the anniversary register by President Buhari and observed the national salute marked by the firing of the 21 artillery volleys.
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In attendance were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; former President Goodluck Jonathan; Former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President Ahmed Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Others include the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan; members of the cabinet, lawmakers, Service Chiefs, Heads of security and intelligence agencies and members of the diplomatic corps.
Saturday PUNCH observed a heavy security presence, with some VIPs denied access to the VIP entrance.
Our correspondent observed heated arguments between some guests and officers of the army at the access gate east of the State Box.
Also, all access roads to the three arms zone alongside the adjoining precincts were cordoned off hours before the events.
In his Independence Day address earlier, the President listed his regime’s achievements, appealing to the Academic Staff Union of Universities to end the now seven-month strike.
(Punch)
