Buhari, Jonathan, others Celebrate Independence Anniversary

02 Oct Buhari, Jonathan, others Celebrate Independence Anniversary

The President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday, joined current and past leaders to mark Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day Anniversary parades held at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

The event, which was marked with all sorts of activities, including military drills and artistic performances, was graced by many dignitaries including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; former President Goodluck Jonathan; Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker 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.

Buhari who was Special Guest arrived at the venue at about 10:10 am after which he inspected the guards on parade, before receding to the State Box to observe the proceedings.

They 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.

The president had earlier addressed Nigerians on the occasion of the 62nd independence anniversary.

Mr Buhari said he shared the pains Nigerians were going through while commending their resilience in the face of challenges.

The president had also commended Nigerians for giving him the opportunity to lead the country both in 2015 and 2019.

He added that he had delivered on most of the promises he made to the people in the last seven years.

Mr Buhari also reiterated his appeal to the striking ASUU members to return to the classroom, while assuring them he would deal with contending issues within the limits of the scarce resources available.

According to him, the federal government will continue to mobilise resources both internationally and nationally towards funding education to ensure that citizens are well educated and skilled in various vocations.