The Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja, held a low key
celebration to mark the nation’s 55th independence anniversary.
The event, which was held at the fore-court of the Presidential
Villa, Abuja, witnessed a special Presidential change of guard to mark the
event, which lasted for about two hours.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr.
Babachir Lawal, had earlier indicated that the 2015’s anniversary would be low
keyed, due to the state of the country's finances.
The SGF, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary, Political
Matters office, Mrs Ibukun Odusote, said Buhari had made it ``a policy that it
will be unfair to spend so much in celebrating at the expense of ordinary
Nigerians who are grappling with poverty’’.
The event started with the arrival of President Muhammadu
Buhari, who appeared in white traditional attires of Babban Riga with a white
cap to match.
The president inspected the quarter guards before marching to
the Presidential Villa forecourt to receive national salute which was followed
by rendition of the National Anthem.
The Prayers were offered by the Roman Catholic Cardinal
Archbishop of Abuja, John Onaiyekan, and the Deputy Chief Imam of the Abuja
National Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Kabir.
The event witnessed the inspection of new Guard/Quarter guard,
silent drills, posting of sentries and colour, weapons and uniforms were
inspected to ensure conformity with military standards by the Commander,
Brigade of Guards, Brig.-Gen. Musa Yusuf.
Shortly after the ceremony, Buhari signed the anniversary
register and released pigeons from cage.
The president, assisted by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate
President Bukola Saraki, Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara,
Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, and some top
dignitaries, cut the anniversary cake.
Among those who attended the ceremony were former Head of State,
Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former interim president Ernest Shonekan, APC National
Chairman, Chief John Ayegun and former Senate President Ken Nnamani.
Others were the Service Chiefs, current and former
Inspectors-General of Police, former vice-president Alex Ekwueme, Lt. Gen.
Oladipo Diya, former Senate President Joseph Wayas, top government
functionaries and members of the diplomatic corps. (NAN)
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