02 October, 2013

PRESIDENTIAL CHANGE OF GUARD MARKS INDEPENDENCE

The Federal Government yesterday marked the 53rd independence anniversary celebrations with a presidential change of guard and signpost ceremony at the fore-court of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
It was devoid of the usual pomp that attends such event before 2011.
The ceremony was conducted by 136 officers and men of the Army under the command of Brig.-Gen. Emmanuel Atewe.
It lasted for about an hour.
The President inspected the Guards Brigade before moving to the podium where he received general salute, followed by a rendition of the National Anthem.
Prayers were offered by the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritshejafor and the Deputy Chief Imam of the Abuja National Mosque, Dr Ibrahim Zaria.

The presidential change of guards was performed by the soldiers with military display, foot and arms drill and rhythmic and calculated steps.
Their weapons and uniforms were inspected to ensure tidiness.
After the ceremony, the President signed the anniversary register and cut the anniversary cake.
Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal, supported the President to cut the cake.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, and former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, also assisted the President.
The President subsequently released the flock of pigeons, which signifies peace and freedom.
Among those who attended the ceremony were PDP Chairman Bamanga Tukur; Primate of Anglican Communion, Arch Bishop Rev. Nicholas Okoh; PDP BOT Chairman, Chief Tony Anineh; Former Information Minister, Prof Jerry Gana and former Senate President Adolphus Wabara.
Others were Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha; former Head of Civil Service, Steven Oronsaye; Service Chiefs; ministers, top government functionaries and members of the diplomatic corps.
There was tight security in Abuja. Security was beefed up in and around the FCT with combined security operatives taking positions at strategic locations.
The operatives were supported by police Amoured Personnel Carriers (APCs).
The Eagle Square, the venue where most important events like the independence anniversary were usually celebrated by government functionaries, was devoid of activities except some security personnel keeping guard.
Traffic was light along some major roads in the city centre while motorists going into hotels, parks and shopping malls were stopped and subjected to thorough screening.
The police ‘stop and check’ caused heavy traffic in some parts of the city areas.
FCT Police spokesman Altine Daniel, told NAN that the heavy presence of police in the territory was in line with the directive of Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar.

Source: The Nation

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