The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Independence anniversary

  • FG marks low key independence anniversary

    FG marks low key independence anniversary

    The Federal Government on Thursday celebrated the nation’s 55th independence anniversary in a low-key at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    There was also presidential change of guard to mark the occasion.

    Besides the pruning down of the anniversary celebration budget to N70 million unlike the huge resources it gulped over the years, the celebration was the first in the democratic administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The ceremony, which lasted for about two hours, was held at the fore-court of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, replacing the full military parade, drills and entertainments which used to hold at the Eagle Square, Abuja, before 2010.

    Since October 1, 2010 when the anniversary celebration was marred by explosions at the Eagle Square, subsequent celebrations under former President Goodluck Jonathan took place in Aso Rock.

    Thursday’s event started with the arrival of President Buhari, although he did not appear in the ceremonial military uniform as the Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    He inspected the quarter guards before walking to the Villa forecourt to receive national salute which was followed by rendition of the National Anthem.

    There was also 21 gun salute in the honour of President Buhari.

    The event witnessed the inspection of new Guard/Quarter guard, silent drills, posting of sentries and color parade, weapons and uniforms inspections to ensure conformity with military standards.

    Shortly after the ceremony, President Buhari signed the anniversary register, released pigeons from cage and he was assisted by some top dignitaries to cut the anniversary cake.

    Those that attended the ceremony included Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed.

    Also at the ceremony were the former head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), former head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, former Chief of General. Staff, Gen. Oladipo Diya, former Senate President, Joseph Wayas, and Service chiefs.

    The occasion was also graced by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, former Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako and APC governorship candidate in Bayelsa, Timipre Sylva,

    Top government functionaries and members of the diplomatic corps also attended the ceremony.

  • Buhari urges patience on cabinet

    Buhari urges patience on cabinet

    President Muhammadu Buhari said on Thursday he had submitted a cabinet list to Senate for approval but asked Nigerians to continue to be patient with his four-month search for a government.

    Foreign investors and Nigerian businessman have criticised Buhari for taking so long to nominate cabinet members when the country’s economy is taking a hammering from a plunge in oil prices, Reuters reported.

    “Impatience is not a virtue,” Buhari, who took office on May 29, said in a televised speech on Independence Day. “The first set of names for ministerial nominees has been sent to the Senate. Subsequent lists will be forwarded in due course.”

    Buhari gave no names or time frame, saying only: “Careful and deliberate decisions after consultations get far better results.”

    The President  stressed he was restructuring the mismanaged Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and conducting audits of key state institutions such as the central bank and customs and tax authorities as part of the anti-graft campaign that got him elected in March.

    Buhari, a former military ruler, did not offer a concrete action plan to tackle an economic crisis as oil prices have eroded public finances, sent the naira currency plunging and delayed payment of public sector salaries.

    “Prudent housekeeping is needed now more than ever in view of the sharp decline in world market oil prices,” he said. “It is a challenge we have to face squarely.”

    Senate President Bukola Saraki will read the cabinet list to the upper legislative house on Tuesday, the Senate said in a statement.

     

  • Independence: Nigerians deserve pat on the back – Atiku

    Independence: Nigerians deserve pat on the back – Atiku

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said Nigerians deserve a pat on the back for their success and perseverance in preserving the country since independence despite the stress and strains of nationhood.

    Atiku also asked all the aggrieved persons in Nigeria to drop their agitations and take advantage of the improving political climate in the country, to seek accommodation in the larger and united national community that is fast unfolding.

    In his message to Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 55th independence anniversary released by his media office in Abuja, the All Progressive Congress chieftain said the future of the country remain bright in view of anticipated changes in all aspects of the nation’s life.

    While congratulating Nigerians on the occasion of the independence anniversary, Atiku said this year’s celebration is significant because it coincides with a rare change of government when an opposition party took over power through a democratic, free and fair election.

    He stressed that having succeeded in deepening our democracy by making possible a peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another, the task before the people now is to work for national unity and peace in the land to lay the foundation for nation-building.

    Atiku identifies nation-building as the greatest challenge facing the country at this present time because Nigerians still need to improve the way they relate to one another, adding that there is the urgent need  for the people to begin to see themselves first as Nigerians, rather than one ethnic group or the other.