Jonathan Says Independence Celebration At Villa Is To Cut Cost

President Goodluck Jonathan has dispelled rumour making the rounds that the 52nd independence celebration was shifted to Aso Rock presidential villa due to fear of any impending attack by the Islamic extremist group, Boko Haram, saying it was meant to be low-keyed to save cost for Nigeria’s 100 years of existence celebration in 2014.

He also officially consecrated a newly formed 176 Special Force battalion, to join the existing 177 and 7 battalions of the presidential guards brigade at the independence anniversary celebration on Monday.

Jonathan who spoke to State House Correspondents through his special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati said the 52nd independent anniversary like that of last year was low-keyed to save cost and adequately  prepare for the big event of 2014, when the nation would mark 100 year of existence from the amalgamation of 1914.

Spurning insinuation from certain quarters that the event was moved to the villa for security reasons, he said, “The anniversary is also low-keyed this year taking place within the precinct of the state house.

President Jonathan has personally responded to the allegation that the event is being held within the state house by making it clear that in 2014, we will have a big event; the centenary of Nigeria's celebration, since amalgamation.

“A few years ago, we have the 50th anniversary of Nigeria's independence and that was a big event.

The President's take on this, is that between that 50 year anniversary and the centenary of Nigeria's amalgamation, we should have low keyed celebration.

Those who are looking for celebration on a grand scale should wait till 2014 when we will have the 100 year of Nigeria amalgamation”, the presidential spokesman added.

Earlier in the morning, at exactly 7:00pm President Jonathan said in a nationwide broadcasts aired on national televisions and radio stations that Nigerians had cause to celebrate the unfailing optimism and national identity as the nation marked its 52nd Independence.

“We also celebrate the unfailing optimism and resilience of Nigerians who remain proud of our national identity”, the president said, adding that the lowering of the Union Jack and the emergence of the Green White Green flag in 1960 was not just a ceremony about the destiny of a nation, but the future of a people.      

Noting that the future was already here and that present generation was the inheritors of a great legacy that goes even much farther into the past, Jonathan observed that the country had since weathered the storm of the civil war and refused to be broken by sectarian crises.

“We have remained a strong nation. On this special day, I call on every Nigerian to remain steadfast, because our nation is indeed making progress. I call on every Nigerian to rediscover that special spirit that enables us to triumph over every adversity as a people”, he stated.

Lamenting that the country had been witnessing serious security challenges in parts of the country which government has taken pro-active measures to check the menace, the president said, “Fellow citizens, I have an unshaken belief in the future of our great Country.

I consider it a priority and sacred duty to continue to strengthen the bond of unity that holds our nation together and to promote and nourish the creative energies of our people. This is a central objective of our administration’s Transformation Agenda. Nigeria, I assure you, will continue to grow from strength to strength."

Source: Leadership