OBJ, IBB, BUHARI, OTHERS SHUN INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

Nigeria’s 53rd independence anniversary received a blow as five former heads of state rebuffed the festivities held yesterday at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
They are Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Generals Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, former Head of the Interim National Government Chief Ernest Shonekan and former Chief of General Staff Lt. General Oladipo Diya were the only past leaders present at the event.
Our correspondent reports that this was the third time the independence anniversary was held at the State House after the bomb blasts that marred the 2010 independence anniversary held at the Eagle Square in Abuja.
The ceremony began at about 10am shortly after President Goodluck Jonathan received the general salute from the Quarter Guard at the gate of the forecourt of the State House.
The event ended at exactly 11:30am after the president signed the anniversary register, cut the anniversary cake and released white pigeons signaling peace. Also, the event witnessed a special presidential change of guards.
It involves foot and arms drills, rhythmic and calculated stepping as well as checking of weapons.
The parade which was mounted by 136 officers was commanded by the Commander of Guards Brigade, Brigadier-General Emmanuel Atewe.
Dignitaries at the event included Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, Speaker, House of Representatives Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Chief Justice of Nigeria Aloma Mukhtar, Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha and Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba.
Others were National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Chief Tony Anenih, former Minister of Information Professor Jerry Gana, members of the National Assembly, members of the Federal Executive Council and members of Diplomatic Corps.
Also in attendance were Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika, Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Alex Badeh, Inspector General of Police Muhammed Abubakar and Director General of the State Security Service, Mr Ita Ekpeyong.
Source: Daily Trust