The bickering between the Executive and the Legislative arms of government continued to take its toll on the nation Monday, as both Senate President Bukola and Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara shunned the 58th Independence anniversary held at Eagle Square, Abuja.
Yakubu Dogara was also absent from the Church service at the National Christian center, Abuja, on Sunday, where he was listed to read the second Bible message.
In a last minute arrangement, the Bible message was later assigned to former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon.
The colorful Independence anniversary celebration, witnessed military displays, the traditional 21 guns salute and display by the Nigerian Air Force.
The celebration was unique as it was held for the first time in eight years at the Eagle Square, traditional venue, since the last one in 2010, that led to the death of scores of Nigerians from bomb blast.
The land mark event represents government efforts at rebuilding the confidence of Nigerians and send strong signals that the government has overcome the threats of insecurity that led to the cancellation of such events at Eagle Square for the past eight years.
READ ALSO: Unending quest for local government autonomy 60 years after Independence
Since the last event that led to the death of scores of Nigerians at the Eagle Square, the nation’s Independence celebrations have been taking place at the fore court of the President’s office at the Presidential Villa, which limited the number of Nigerians who witness the event live.
But Monday’s event saw the demystification of the security fear as many Nigerians
thronged the Eagle Square venue amidst tight secure, though , to witness the event,
The security agencies took advantage of the opportunity to show their preparedness to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria, showing forth the country’s military might.
As expected, security agencies also took advantage of the opportunity to display their prowess and strength, displaying the latest military weapons at their arsenals as well as the trained manpower that control them, to the admirations of Nigerians who gathered at the venue as early as 6 am to witness the event.
President Muhamamdu Buhari who came back from his very busy engagements at United Nations General Assembly UNGA73 in the early hours of Saturday, is expected to round off the celebrations with the traditional State dinner in honour of Selected Nigerians and foreign diplomats on Monday evening.
